What are the main signs of subsidence and where do they occur?

The one major sign that your house may have subsidence is the appearance of cracks. But before you hit the panic button, not all cracks are caused by subsidence.

A certain number of cracks are to be expected in new properties and extensions. Fine cracks in your walls and ceiling are also usually nothing to worry about. Small cracks can appear due to a whole host of factors such as temperature change or the gradual aging of plaster.

The cracks caused by subsidence are normally of a diagonal nature. These cracks will suddenly appear in plaster work inside the home and on brickwork outside. Subsidence cracks will usually be at least as think as a 10p coin, and tend to be wider at the top.

The first place to look for possible subsidence cracks is around weak points, such as doors and windows. You may also find that your doors and windows may stick due to the movement of the building.

Subsidence cracks are also common where an extension meets the main building. This can indicate that the extension is pulling away from the house.

Solutions to subsidence