Subsidence Becomes a New Problem in Stagnant Property Market

People who own property in clay soil regions and who postponed any operations with it for the year 2009 can face problems in nearest future. The main problem is subsidence which becomes a major worry almost every six years since 1991. This year has already shown us higher average temperatures than before which can cause foundations to dry out and shift. Another part of the problem are slow structural surveys which could’ve revealed the subsidence at an early stage if they’d been undertaken in time. If homeowners see the first signs of moving foundations it’s always a great shock for them. But they can avoid the worst damage if they take this problem seriously from the very beginning. Even if you can’t afford a surveyor’s opinion, you should keep an eye on any cracks that can appear or change during next 1,5 years. Not to let the problem grow too big and harm the property, owners can use pollarding, tree felling or piling. General advice for homeowners includes contacting building insurers immediately if they suddenly noticed small cracks in plasterwork at weak points around doors and windows, especially if the weather stayed dry for a long period. Another warning sign is cracks that are about 10p coin thick and that are wider at the top then at the bottom. Very often such cracks indicate structural movement, so they need to be examined by an expert as quick as possible to prevent the damage. The risk of subsidence can be increased by the trees growing too close to your house as they take moisture out of the soil. That’s why homeowners are advised to consult planting guides for the best distance between the plants and the building. The risk of heave can be increased by removing mature trees, so if you plan to cut down or fell trees, you also need to consult a specialist. You should maintain your drains and gutters in good conditions not to let the soil beneath the foundation be washed away.