Insurance News Archive
Property owners warned of subsidence
This year's dry summer could lead to record numbers of residential property insurance claims.
Homeowners are being warned to keep a keen watch for any early warning signs for subsidence such as new or expanding cracks and sticking doors and windows as the dry weather may have weakened foundations.
Subsidence is caused by soil under foundations drying out. The result is that the load bearing capacity of the ground is reduced and buildings can shift.
Edwardian and Victorian homes are thought to be at particular risk as they have shallower foundations and the roots of plants and trees near properties can take moisture from the earth exacerbating the effects of a dry summer.
Mark Till, of Barclays, which issued the warning, said: "Whilst some areas of the country, such as the South are more prone to subsidence than others, the unusually hot weather will mean that more houses across the whole country could be affected.
"Last year we saw a sudden peak in subsidence notifications around August and September time and we predict that this figure could be even higher this year given the unusually dry year we have experienced."
He added: "There are some things that homeowners can do to try and minimise the risk of subsidence such as pruning trees that are close to the house and regularly clearing gutters and drains."
31 Aug 2006
