Subsidence claims expected to rise

After the two wettest summers since records began the UK is finally experiencing a heat wave. But while this is good news for sun-worshipers insurers are warning that the hot weather will bring with it the risk of subsidence.

Incidences of subsidence increase in dry, sunny weather, as vegetation in the garden grows more quickly and requires more moisture. The movement of the soil beneath the foundations of homes can create thousands of pounds worth of damage to the home.

Halifax Home insurance says homes in the south east are likely to be more at risk, because of the warmer temperatures but warns that warm conditions predicted throughout the UK could mean subsidence is more likely for everyone.

Figures from the Association of British Insurers show that the insurance industry has dealt with 144,000 subsidence claims over the last four years alone, costing over £800m.

“Signs that a property might be suffering from subsidence include cracks in walls, particularly if they start from the corners of windows or doors which themselves may become difficult to open or close,” says Neil Curling, Halifax Home Insurance senior structural claims manager. You may also begin to see cracks appearing in the soil.”

He urges homeowners to take steps to reduce the risks to their property such as when buying a house to check for historical activity such as mining as 15 per cent of subsidence claims are due to previous mining activity.

Curling also recommends homebuyers check the property drainage as subsidence can be caused by water leakage into the soil - 15 per cent of subsidence claims arise from water washing away finer soil in the ground.

Another way to protect your property is to ensure trees are not too close to the outside walls. Tall trees too close can be an issue, particularly for homes built on a clay subsoil

“Tall trees close to the house can be bad news, particularly for homes built on clay subsoil. They take water out from the ground and cause it to shrink and move. Tree removal solves 84 per cent of tree-related subsidence claims.”

If you are concerned about subsidence the sooner you contact you home insurance provider the better so that appropriate action can be taken.