Subsidence risk increases

The risk of subsidence increases in the summer, new statistics have shown*, which may require some homeowners to update their buildings insurance policies.

Last year insurers paid out millions of pounds as a result of subsidence claims. One insurer found their claims went up by nearly one quarter last year in comparison to the previous summer.

Shrubbery and trees can be major causes of subsidence in areas where houses are built upon clay type soils. In the summer, when the earth can become dry and shrinks, foliage planted near to the house can exacerbate the problem by taking up further liquid from the soil.

According to reports, around 70 per cent of subsidence cases are caused by shrinking clay soil, resulting in foundation cracks and serious structural damage. Obvious signs of subsidence damage include cracks in the walls and ceilings and doors and windows no longer fitting well in their frames.

Damage to the home caused by subsidence can be very costly, therefore homeowners living in at risk areas should ensure that they are covered on their current insurance policies or take measures such as underpinning to limit the potential damage**.

*Source: Which4U, available at: http://www.which4u.co.uk/insurance/news/11372-subsidence-may-require-contents-and-buildings-insurance-update
**Source: USwitch, available at: http://www.uswitch.com/news/insurance/subsidence-a-growing-threat-to-uk-properties-19837249/