5 ways to reduce the risk of subsidence

1. Plan where you plant trees and shrubbery

Avoid planting trees or large shrubs close to your home, garage, or outbuilding. Trees and shrubs can absorb a considerable amount of water from the surrounding soil resulting in shrinkage and destabilising of the foundations.

2. Take care of your gutters, downpipes and drains

Ensure that your drain system is tested regularly for any infestation or water leaks. Contact your local buildings maintenance firm to arrange the necessary checks.

3. Investigate any cracks in your walls

Whilst not all wall cracks are caused by subsidence, they can be an excellent early warning of a more serious problem. Often subsidence cracks are centred around doors and windows. You may also experience difficulty in opening/closing doors and windows due to the frame shifting.

4. Carry out the relevant research

Conducting the necessary checks for subsidence is recommended before committing to purchasing a property. Access to a surveyor’s report will enable you to discover whether the property has been previously affected by subsidence.

5. Deal with early warning signs quickly

If you notice any signs of subsidence from cracking or movement you should act fast to prevent as much future damage as possible. It’s highly advisable to contact your insurer as soon as possible.

learn more about subsidence home insurance