Don't get caught by subsidence
With much of the UK experiencing the driest period for more than 50 years, many of us could find our homes are beginning to show cracks. It is vital you keep on top of this and inform your home insurance provider if you notice any changes to your property. Unusually hot weather and a lack of rain, as already experienced this summer, can have an impact on the foundations of a home, because they leave the ground very dry and increase the risk of properties suffering from subsidence.
What is subsidence?
Subsidence is caused by clay soil shrinking and becoming unstable as moisture is removed by trees and shrubs near homes. This reduces the load-bearing capacity of the ground and causes buildings to shift.
Properties that have been constructed with shallow foundations - such as Edwardian and Victorian houses - are among those most at risk because they are more susceptible to "heave".
Claims data from insurer Axa show there have been low levels of subsidence in the last three years due to relatively wet summers, and that 2006 was the last year in which there was an increased frequency as a result of a long, dry period.
Scale of the damage
In extreme cases, subsidence can cause major structural damage - and homes can even be completely destroyed. But whatever the extent, you are likely to face hefty costs, as well as a good deal of inconvenience and stress.
The outlook for this summer is currently predicted to be 27 per cent drier than average and according to spokesman for M&S Insurance, Andrew Ferguson "it looks as though we have the conditions for subsidence losses."
He added: "Repairing the damage caused by subsidence can cost thousands of pounds, so it's vital to know the early signs to look out for."
Signs of subsidence
Indications your property may be suffering from subsidence include cracks which suddenly appear in plasterwork, and outside at weak points in the brickwork, such as around doors and windows. These may indicate movement in the building's foundations.
The cracks will normally be thicker than a 10p coin - or wider at the top than the bottom; if in doubt, these need to be checked.
Minimise the risk
There are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk, such as avoiding planting trees or large bushes too near to buildings, as some species can grow very large and initiate subsidence. For more information on safe planting distances visit the Association of British Insurers' website.
Tall trees close to a property can also be bad news - particularly for homes built on clay subsoil. If you're concerned about a certain tree, find out whether it is possible to have it removed.
Check with the local town planning office that there is no tree preservation order or other restriction, and seek advice on the safest way to cut down trees.
If tree removal is not possible you can still mitigate the risk by pruning the branches and following this up with regular maintenance.
Contact your insurer
If you think your house is suffering from subsidence, you need to contact your insurer immediately.
The sooner the cause is identified and remedied, the sooner the repairs can be undertaken - and a prompt response can help preserve the value of the property. (See our buyer's guide for help with home insurance claims.)
Check your cover
Subsidence damage is generally covered by your home insurance under your buildings cover- but do scour the small print to check exactly what is covered.
When buying a new home, don't skimp on surveys and searches. Information on historical activity such as mining can be valuable, as around 15 per cent of subsidence claims are due to previous mining activity beneath a property, according to Halifax Insurance.
If you do want to buy a property that is showing signs of subsidence, inform both your lender, and your insurer; failure to disclose this information to your insurer means you run the risk of any subsequent claim being invalidated.
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