Ground subsidence can cause damage to buildings, and may occur a number of years after construction. Differential settlement caused by subsidence typically leads to cracks appearing in the walls of buildings, with an associated loss of structural integrity.

Not only is this distressing to residents, but frequently ends in subsidence claims involving insurers and loss adjusters. Some recent insurance policies specifically exclude such claims, whilst others may require evidence to support the reasons why such cracking has occurred.

Potential causes of ground subsidence include:

• Soil volume changes (shrinkage and swelling) related to changes in moisture content

• Soil desiccation caused by nearby mature trees and hedgrows

• Underlying mine workings

• Ground solution

• Dissolution of limestone

• Damaged drainage and cracked water pipes

• Soil creep

It is recommended that professional advice should be sought when cracks in walls and ceilings exceed approximately 6mm and appear to be getting worse. In such cases most insurers will advise the home owner to approach a reputable specialist to assess the problem and often request a period of structural monitoring.

TSL provides specialist consultancy services to home owners, insurers and loss adjusters. These include investigation and quantification of the problem, monitoring of progression, and the provision of pragmatic and practical solutions to situations encountered. In order to minimise the damage sustained, it is crucial to act quickly upon identifying the problem and hence limit the costs incurred during remediation and repair. TSL has extensive expertise in working with a range of typical British soil-types, encompassing a wide range of investigation techniques, laboratory soil testing, classification testing and remediation strategies.