First signs of subsidence
What are the first signs of subsidence in your property and what should you look out for
Since you can’t see what’s going on below ground, the evidence of subsidence is usually found in the property itself, most often as cracks in the walls.
Don’t worry, not all cracks are signs of subsidence. Most cracks in the walls are harmless and perfectly normal. Cracks caused by subsidence tend to have a few noticeable characteristics.
Here are a few questions to ask that will help you tell if your cracks are caused by subsidence.
Is the crack wider at the top than it is at the bottom?
Is it wider at any point than a 10p coin (roughly 3mm)?
Can the crack be seen from both the inside and the outside of the property?
Are the cracks found close to weak spots like doors, windows or where extensions join the house?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be worth getting an expert to assess whether subsidence is an issue.
Wallpaper can start to wrinkle or crease because of condensation, but it can also happen because of subsidence.
A good way to test whether the ripples are the result of dampness is to check the windows for signs of condensation first thing in the morning. If there’s no condensation, it might be a sign of subsidence.
Cracks caused by subsidence often appear near to doors and windows. If your doors and windows no longer fit or are tighter than they used to be, that may be a sign of subsidence.
