What happens if a house has subsidence?

Subsidence is an issue that occurs when the soil beneath the surface of a structure shifts and sinks, creating instability. This is very dangerous for the structural integrity of the building. Read below to find out what happens if a house has subsidence:

Foundation

The foundation of your home may be at risk if it is falling victim to subsidence. Areas of soil around your property may not sink at the level which is especially problematic as it can damage the foundation of your home and cause further structural damage.

Structural damage

The structural damage caused by subsidence is often very noticeable. Cracks are not always a sign of subsidence, but those that are due to subsidence are easily identifiable.When due to subsidence, the part that is furthest from the floor will be wider than the part of the crack closest to the floor. The crack can also be seen from the home’s interior and exterior.

Collapse

The final and most detrimental of the stages of subsidence is collapse. This isn’t to say that every home with subsidence will collapse, but if the soil doesn’t stop sinking, or if nothing is done to fix the problem, the home could possibly collapse. The structural integrity of the building will eventually reach its end, and the building will no longer be inhabitable.

Sale

A house with subsidence is not likely to sell, or otherwise the owner will not fetch a good price for it. It is wise for the subsidence issue to be sorted out beforehand in order to preserve the structural integrity of the home and the value of the home.