The change in weather patterns and the increase in hot dry summers and comparatively dry winters in recent years has caused us to see an increase in subsidence in buildings.
Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground supporting the building. Damage occurs because the movement is often uneven, causing cracks in walls, floors and ceilings. The main cause of subsidence in the UK is the shrinkage in dry weather of clay soils which expand and contract with changes in their moisture content. The escape of water form leaking or damaged drains below the ground can also cause subsidence.
