Homeowners urged to protect against subsidence

Posted : 11-04-2007

UK homeowners are being advised on how to spot subsidence in a property as the warm summer months approach.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, although people may not cause subsidence, they can take steps to reduce the chances of it happening, thereby preventing a costly home insurance claim should the problem arise.

Tips from the insurer include taking advice from the Association of British Insurers on safe distances for tree planting in a garden in addition to getting the local water authority to carry out a check on water mains in and around the property.

And if planning to move house, it is a good idea to check the survey for local historical activities such as mining, which can sometimes result in subsidence problems.

"Signs that a property might be suffering from subsidence include cracks in walls," added Neil Curling, senior structural claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance.

"The good news is there are there several measures homeowners can take if they are worried, which can go a long way towards avoiding a problem."

Subsidence is described as when the motion of a surface shifts downward - potentially causing damage to a house and its foundations if nearby.

© Adfero Ltd

The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd