Thursday 12th April 2007
Britons should be aware of the risks presented by subsidence, according to Halifax Home Insurance.
As the warm summer season approaches, the firm warns that drying soil, especially that with a high clay content, could crack and subside, causing damage to property.
Neil Curling, senior structural claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, says: "Signs that a property might be suffering from subsidence include cracks in walls, particularly if they start from corners of windows or doors."
"The good news is there are there several measures homeowners can take if they are worried, which can go a long way towards avoiding a problem," he adds.
Mr Curling advises that when purchasing a property, it may be wise to check for local mining activity, as 15 per cent of claims are associated with undermining of a structure.
A similar proportion may be ascribed to loose soil being eroded by rainwater run-off, while conversely the drying effect of tree roots was also cited by Halifax Home Insurance as a problem.
Home Emergency Cover from the firm offers an immediate response to any situation which requires swift action to prevent further damage to property.
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