Understanding Subsidence

Expert guidance on identifying, understanding, and addressing subsidence in your property

What is Subsidence?

Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a property sinks or collapses, causing the building's foundations to sink with it. This downward movement can lead to structural damage, cracking walls, and, if left untreated, serious safety concerns.

In Lancashire, subsidence is often caused by clay soil shrinkage during dry periods, mining activity, tree root growth, leaking drains, or natural settlement. Early detection and professional intervention are crucial to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.

Warning Signs of Subsidence

Structural Cracks

  • Diagonal cracks wider than 3mm
  • Cracks that appear suddenly or worsen over time
  • Cracks near doors and windows
  • Stepped cracking in brickwork

Building Movement

  • Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly
  • Gaps appearing around window and door frames
  • Rippling or bulging wallpaper
  • Sloping floors or leaning walls

Common Causes in Lancashire

Clay Soil Shrinkage

Lancashire's clay-rich soil expands when wet and shrinks during dry periods. Extended droughts can cause significant ground movement, particularly affecting properties built on clay foundations.

Tree Root Damage

Large trees near buildings can extract moisture from the soil, causing shrinkage and subsidence. Trees like oak, willow, and poplar are particularly problematic, especially during hot, dry summers.

Historical Mining

Lancashire's industrial heritage includes extensive coal mining. Old mine workings can collapse over time, leading to ground movement and subsidence in affected areas.

Water Leaks

Leaking drains or water mains can wash away soil beneath foundations, creating voids that cause subsidence. This type of subsidence often develops quickly once a leak begins.

Treatment and Repair Solutions

Professional Assessment

Our experts conduct thorough surveys using the latest technology to identify the cause and extent of subsidence, providing detailed reports for insurance claims.

Underpinning

The most common solution, underpinning strengthens foundations by extending them to more stable ground. We use modern techniques to minimise disruption.

Monitoring and Observation

Sometimes, monitoring over 12 months is recommended to establish whether movement is ongoing or historic before commencing expensive repair works.

Drainage Repairs

If subsidence is caused by water leaks, repairing drains or water mains may be sufficient to stabilise the ground and prevent further movement.

Subsidence Repair Services Near You

Find expert subsidence repair specialists in your local area. We cover all major towns across Lancashire:

Subsidence Repair Preston Subsidence Repair Blackpool Subsidence Repair Blackburn Subsidence Repair Burnley Subsidence Repair Lancaster Subsidence Repair Morecambe Subsidence Repair Thornton-Cleveleys Subsidence Repair Accrington Subsidence Repair Leyland Subsidence Repair Chorley Subsidence Repair Nelson Subsidence Repair Colne Subsidence Repair Darwen Subsidence Repair Fleetwood Subsidence Repair Ormskirk

Need Expert Advice on Subsidence?

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