If a crack appears does this mean subsidence?

Not necessarily. Many properties experience cracking from time to time, but only rarely is this caused by subsidence. More common causes for cracks include:

- Buildings naturally shrink and swell in response to changes in temperature and humidity, leading to minor cracks where walls and ceilings meet
- New homes and recently built extensions often experience cracking as the structures settle under their own weight
- Fine cracks are also common in freshly plastered walls as they dry out

Cracks arising from these causes are usually uniform in width, narrow (hairline to 3mm) and can be dealt with during routine maintenance or redecoration.