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Residential Subsidence

Signs of Subsidence

The first signs of house subsidence are often subtle and may go unnoticed at first, but they typically involve structural changes or functional issues within the property. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
  • Sticking or Misaligned Doors and Windows
  • Uneven or Sloping Floors
  • Rippling or Creased Wallpaper
  • Small Gaps Between Extensions and Main Property
  • Cracks in External Features
  • Noticeable Leaning

 

The First Signs of House Subsidence
1. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
  • Diagonal cracks are a classic early indicator.
  • Cracks are often wider at the top than the bottom.
  • Usually appear around windows and doors, room corners, exterior walls, especially in brickwork
  • Cracks larger than 3 mm (about the thickness of a pound coin) are particularly concerning.
2. Sticking or Misaligned Doors and Windows
  • Doors and windows may become difficult to open or close or appear misaligned in their frames.

This happens as the structure shifts unevenly.

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors
  • Floors may feel uneven or appear to slope.
  • Gaps may form between the floor and skirting boards.
4. Rippling or Creased Wallpaper
  • Wallpaper may start to ripple, tear, or crease at the seams.
  • This can occur even if there’s no evidence of damp.
5. Small Gaps Between Extensions and Main Property
  • Slight separations may appear where an extension connects to the main house.
  • These gaps may widen over time.
6. Cracks in External Features
  • Cracks may develop in driveways, patios, or pathways near the house.
  • This can indicate movement in the ground beneath the property.
7. Noticeable Leaning
  • In advanced cases, sections of the property (such as walls or chimneys) may appear to lean.

How to Monitor and Respond

  • Measure and Document

Keep track of cracks and other changes by photographing and measuring them over time.

  • Check for Potential Causes

Nearby trees or vegetation (roots drawing moisture from soil).

Leaking pipes or drains.

Signs of soil drying or erosion.

  • Consult a Professional

If you notice one or more of these signs, contact a structural engineer or ground engineering specialist for an onsite assessment. 

 

Start measuring wall cracks from the convenience of your home.

If you notice wall cracks around your home that are:

Large cracks that start at windows, doorways or corners of buildings

Cracks wider than 5mm

Jagged, horizontal or vertical, zig-zagged, stepped in brickwork or follow mortar line

These characteristics may indicate weakness in your property’s foundation.

To help you discover if the cracks in walls around you home could be due to subsidence, we’ve developed this handy tool. Download our FREE crack gauge and start measuring and monitoring the wall cracks around your home now!

House Subsidence Quote

Arrange a site assessment in 3 simple steps:

Step 1

Submit your enquiry using our online form. Include a brief message about the type of foundation issues you are experiencing.

Step 2

Our friendly customer service team will be in touch to schedule a site assessment that suits you.

Step 3

One of the Mainmark experts will visit your home or property, assess the damage, and ascertain the likely cause. They will establish the approach needed, creating a plan specific to the needs of your building and provide you with a detailed quote.

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