July 06, 2010
As the nation’s weathermen predict a summer drought, UK property owners and buyers are being warned of the subsidence dangers cropping up across the country.
According to Halifax Home Insurance, the problems of climate change could be badly affecting property foundations throughout Britian, as the insurer reveals almost 3,000 claims for subsidence were issued last year, up 22% on 2008, resulting in more than £2million in payouts.
Commonly caused by shrinkage of clay soils beneath a property’s foundations, which could be heightened in the summer months, subsidence can result in cracks and serious structural damage if not properly contained.
Moisture is sucked out of the soil by trees desperate for liquid during the July and August’s increased temperatures. Whilst trees and shrubs close to buildings are not generally a problem during the winter and spring, as there is plenty of rainfall to satisfy the vegetation, as drier weather arrives, soil can become insatiable as it dries out and shrinks.
The cost of repairs can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds and in extreme cases homes have been completely destroyed.
“The larger and closer to the property trees are, and the older and shallower the foundations of the home, the greater the recipe for damage,’ warns Halifax Senior Claims Manager Neil Curling. “Windows and doors that are no longer easy to open or close can be a sign that something is amiss. We’d recommend anyone who thinks they may have a problem to contact their buildings insurer for advice.”
While removal solves 84% of tree-related subsidence claims, before reaching for the chainsaw owners should check with local town planning offices there are no tree preservation orders or other restrictions that could bring considerable fines for breaching the rules.
Thorough surveys by licensed professionals can highlight any future problems properties may face and buyers should be vigilant before signing any dotted lines.
