Do I need a structural engineer if I have subsidence issues?
Subsidence isn’t an issue that most people think about. But when it is happening to your property, this is a serious matter that needs to be addressed promptly. Subsidence is when the integral structure of your building is compromised, whereby large cracks may be appearing on external walls. The walls themselves could be shifting and you may notice that doors and windows are becoming more difficult to open and close. Cracks and movement may also become apparent in your floors and foundations. To understand the seriousness of the cracks, call upon structural engineers for subsidence matters.
Reasons why subsidence occurs
There are different reasons why subsidence occurs. One common cause is the shrinkage of clay soils during periods of extreme dry weather. These drought periods can cause the ground to settle and your home to sink.
If you have large trees near your property, sometimes the tree roots can lead to subsidence. Tree roots can grow through cracks in the foundation of the property and in time destabilise the structure.
If you suspect that your property is being affected by subsidence, you should immediately contact a structural engineer to assess the situation and determine the seriousness of it. They can also provide you with recommendations for repairing the damage.
Structural engineering surveys for subsidence
A professional structural engineer will be able to prepare a report that will establish whether or not subsidence is taking place and what the cause of the problem is. In some instances, your engineer may recommend observing the matter over several months, to see how much movement is being caused.
If you are thinking of buying a house with suspected subsidence, we strongly recommend getting a structural survey before buying the property. Hiring structural engineers for subsidence, will save you stress and money in the future.
If you are selling, it is just as important to have this information readily available to show potential buyers as part of your due diligence. Getting subsidence issues fixed as soon as possible is extremely important.
Addressing subsidence quickly
If you suspect your property is experiencing subsidence, it is not a problem that is going to rectify itself. The opposite will happen, and it will only get worse. That’s why it’s important to address the issue immediately. Weak foundations and walls can lead to compromising the structure of your building, which could result in it collapsing.
If you’re concerned about subsidence, contact our structural engineers today. We can help clients in Camden, Chiswick, Ealing, East Finchley, Edgware, Hampstead, Harrow, Kilburn, Shepherds Bush, Wembley, Willesden. Our staff can inspect your property and recommend the best course of action. Give us a call today to speak to one of our expert structural engineers in Neasden on 020 8088 2243.
