Dry Summer Causes Subsidence
Category : Simple Design Services
Again, a hot summer of 2022, has inevitably led to a huge surge in subsidence problems as homes suffered in the heat.
Claims for subsidence are expected to be at the highest level for many years, reaching numbers last seen in the heatwaves of 2006 and 2003.
Many households made claims but experts told homeowners not to panic if cracks appear.
If cracking appears, please contact Simple Design Services for the professional advice from a Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist CEng MICE and CEnv SocEnv
The worst hit was south-eastern England, where buildings are well-known for being constructed on subsidence-prone clay soil.
What is subsidence?
Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a building loses moisture and shrinks.
It can be caused by several factors, including prolonged dry spells that cause soil to lose water, as well as trees and shrubs which can absorb significant volumes of water from the soil.
Clay soils in particular are seen as vulnerable, while leaking underground pipes because of problems with drains and water mains can also cause soil to soften.
The good news for victims is that it is normally covered by buildings insurance.
Subsidence warning signs can include cracks suddenly emerging in properties, often around doors and windows.