Subsidence occurs when the ground underneath your house sinks. As the ground moves lower the foundations of your house can become misaligned.
Where do subsidence cracks start?
Subsidence is a very specific issue that occurs when the ground under your house collapses, or sinks lower, taking some of the building's foundations with it. This puts strain on your home's structure as one side sinks, causing cracks to appear.
What are the first signs of subsidence?
The usual indications of subsidence are:
- Cracks in the walls, ceilings and outside brickwork.
- Expanding of existing cracks.
- Cracks appearing after a long phase of dry weather.
- Rippling of wallpaper that isn't caused by damp.
- Sticking of doors and windows suggesting doorframes or windowframes have changed shape.
