Home Insurance
Subsidence
What is subsidence?
Subsidence is a downward movement of the ground supporting the building.
Subsidence is a hidden risk that can affect almost any home. The ground beneath us is constantly shifting due to natural and man-made influences.
What causes subsidence?
Certain soils: Clay soils are particularly vulnerable as they shrink and swell depending on their moisture content
Vegetation: Trees and shrubs take moisture away from clay soils in particular causing them to shrink, especially during long periods of dry weather as roots extend in search of water
Leaking drains: Damaged drains can soften or wash away the ground beneath the foundations
Mines: Problems may occur where properties have been built over mine workings
Other types of ground movement, which although less common, can still result in cracking and structural damage, are:
Heave: The upward movement of the ground supporting the building
Landslip: Movement of ground down a slope.
What to look for?
The first obvious signs of subsidence are the appearance of cracks. Don't be alarmed if a crack appears, not all cracks indicate there is a problem. Cracks are likely to be the result of settlement as the building moves under its own weight following construction. Fine cracks appear in newly plastered walls as the water content dries out. Temperature and humidity changes can also cause superficial cracks which can be repaired with suitable filler.
What should be looked out for are small, usually diagonal cracks which suddenly appear in plaster work inside and outside of bricks at weak points (for example around doors and windows) especially after long periods of dry weather. The cracks will normally be wider than the thickness of a 10p coin, and are often wider at the top. These may, but not necessarily, indicate movement of the buildings foundation.
How can you reduce the risk of structual damage?
Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of structural damage.
Tree planting
- Before planting new trees, think about the soil type, the variety of tree and how big it will be when fully grown. Be particularly careful with shallow-rooted trees, such as Willow and Oak.
The table below provides a general guide to the safe planting distance for some common trees, though it is wise to consult a tree planting expert if in doubt.
| Tree species | Normal/Mature height (m) | Safe planting distance (m) |
|---|---|---|
| Beech | 20 | 15 |
| Birch | 14 | 10 |
| Cherry | 17 | 11 |
| Elm | 25 | 30 |
| Hawthorn | 10 | 12 |
| Horse Chestnut | 20 | 23 |
| Lime | 24 | 20 |
| Maple | 21 | 20 |
| Oak | 24 | 30 |
| Pine | 29 | 8 |
| Sycamore | 24 | 17 |
| Willow | 24 | 40 |
- Be careful not to plant trees near underground drains and buildings belonging to neighbours.
- Regular checks should be made for blocked or leaking drains, dirt and leaves cleared from gutters and pipes and checked to make sure there are no splits.
Buildings Insurance
When should you contact your buildings insurance company?
You should contact your buildings insurance company as soon as you believe there is a problem.
Home Buildings Insurance Cover
For full details of your home buildings insurance cover , terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to your insurer's policy document. If you wish to discuss this further you can contact Cover Direct on 0870 220 2753.
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Home Subsidence
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