Technical Advice

The following frequently asked questions are listed below to assist you when you are thinking of contacting us.  Your query however may be with reference to an issue which is not listed.  Whatever the issue please feel free to contact us using our contact us page should you wish to receive initial technical advice.  We will respond to you as quickly as possible.  Remember to complete as much information as possible.  

How do I know if my house has subsidence?

Subsidence manifests itself as cracking in the external and possibly internal walls of the house. 

Progressive subsidence tends to generate diagonal cracks and such cracks are visible inside and out at the same time and in the same location. It is unlikely there will be cracks only at first floor level. Subsidence cracks can often be followed down to ground level. It is rare for subsidence to generate just one crack in isolation; there will be other cracks and/or distortions.  Subsidence can also cause distortion of windows and doors and reduce their functionality.  Another problem is whether or not a crack in a wall is recent. All buildings move and crack. It is quite common for cracks to be identified when they have in fact been present for many years. Subsidence is usually caused as a result of a number of different mechanisms. This could relate to clay shrinkage possibly made worse if vegetation is close to the damaged area. It could also relate to leaking underground drainage simply softening or weakening the ground located beneath foundations. There are also other causes which may need complex investigation. We usually find the cause of the damage is simple to remove and therefore simple to repair.

If cracks have appeared in your property and subsidence is suspected, we can provide you with a low cost initial appraisal.  The appraisal will indicate whether the damage is consistent with subsidence and will recommend the best course of action or options you may wish to consider to resolve the issue.

Alternatively we can arrange to visit your property and carry out a structural survey. If subsidence is suspected, we will recommend appropriate ground investigations that will confirm the cause of the subsidence movement. If subsidence is not suspected we will identify the structural problem and recommend measures to prevent it from happening in the future. We will also advise you on your repair options.

Repairs to your home following damage caused by a sudden event such as flood, vehicle impact, escape of water or storm?
If you’ve suffered damage to your house or garden, you might be tempted to accept the first offer that comes along, but this doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be pleased with the result. Be prepared for the builders and repair companies who may try and exploit the situation. Never agree to have work done by someone who knocks on your door.

If you believe the damage needs dealing with urgently speak to your insurance company first. If you need to be represented or need a professional to supervise the repairs, and also ensure that repairs are being reinstated under the terms of your insurance cover, then just contact us.

What is monitoring and how long does it take?
Monitoring refers to the measurement of cracks and distortions in a property to determine if structural movements are taking place. Typically, such monitoring is restricted to using tell-tales (studs) fixed across certain cracks in the walls. Level monitoring is another method for determining if a property is stable or continuing to move. This technique in most cases can be completed by simply taking relative levels around the damp proof course, or, other suitable features that would normally be level all around the building. If your property needs to be monitored then we can monitor it for you. Just contact us and provide us with your information.

What is Underpinning?
Underpinning is defined as the downward extension of a foundation to a firm formation within the ground. The purpose is to transfer the building loads to more stable soils that exist at greater depth. 

Depending on the depth required, and the extent of superstructure damage, underpinning may be undertaken in the “traditional” form which is with mass concrete.  Where the extended foundation needs to reach beyond say 2.0m, piling is the preferred method. Contact us if you need design assistance.

What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall Act is a piece of legislation that requires building owners to advise their neighbours of certain works that could affect a party or boundary wall or any building within certain distances of certain types of work. The Act confers rights to building owners and adjoining owners but fundamentally it seeks co-operation between parties. Where works to a property fall within the Act, party wall notices are served. Provided there is agreement between parties for works to be carried out, the requirements of the Act are fulfilled. If there is disagreement, then the Act sets out the procedure to be followed to resolve any dispute. Accordingly, if there is a dispute, repairs to a property may be delayed. If you need further advice or assistance then please contact us.

​What is CDM?
The New Health and Safety Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 came into force on 6 April 2007.  The CDM regulations require designers and contractors to properly consider hazards and risks and then remove or reduce them as far as practicable. CDM regulations place duties on clients, designers and contractors. For all projects, there should be an audit trail showing due diligence in the consideration of health and safety issues. If you need further advice or assistance then please contact us.

We have over 18 years of experience within the insurance and construction industry and have been involved in a wide range of projects throughout the UK.

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