Barclays: Summer causes subsidence

Posted : 29-08-2006

While enjoyed by many, the recent heat and dryness brought by the summer months could cause houses to subside, with disastrous results for homeowners, warns Barclays Insurance.

The insurance provider is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for early signs of subsidence, which could wind up costing thousands to remedy.

Subsidence usually results from the drying of soil under a house, which reduces its load-bearing capacity.

Mark Till, marketing director at Barclays Insurance, said: "Whilst some areas of the country, such as the South are more prone to subsidence than others, the unusually hot weather will mean that more houses across the whole country could be affected."

There was a massive peak in subsidence notifications during August and September of last year and the figure could be even higher this year, added Mr Till.

Cracks in walls that are new or that grow, as well as stuck doors and windows, could all be signs of subsidence, according to Barclays.

The Met has predicted that September will bring rain and cooler weather.


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