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• FAQ

  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.

• FAQ

  What can cause subsidence?

  Subsidence can be caused by factors such as:

  - Soil type. Clay soils in particular are vulnerable because they shrink, crack and shift during hot, dry weather depending on their water content.
  - Trees and shrubs. Where clay soils are present, vegetation can be an issue if they are close to your foundations as some species absorb a lot more water, so dry the soil out.
  - Local mining activity. Old mines, and former quarry or pit sites can cause instability if the fill-in material collapses. To find out if you could be in an affected area for old coal mining, check here. 
  - Leaking drains and water mains can wash away or soften soil.  Sandy, gravely soils are the most vulnerable to washing away.