Subsidence

Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a property moves or sinks downwards, causing the foundations of the building to move.

Look out for tapering cracks (usually diagonal but also vertical and horizontal) that can appear suddenly in brickwork or plaster, inside and out, especially after long periods of dry weather. They often appear around windows and doors and are wider at the top than the bottom. Windows and doors may start to stick when you try to open or close them. Floors may also look uneven or distorted.

Suffering from Subsidence?

If you suspect your property is suffering from subsidence you will require a report to identify the cause of damage. If it is proved and an insurance claim is accepted, the cost of this report normally forms part of the claim, typically coming out of the policy excess.

Once you have the report from Meadow Consultants you can then send this to your Insurance Company and they will normally appoint a Loss Adjuster who will handle how the claim is dealt with. It is important to know what your insurance policy covers before the first meeting with the Loss Adjuster. With over 30 years experience in the subsidence arena working with many of the large loss adjusters and claims management companies Meadow Consultants are well placed to guide and advise you on the process.

Meadow Consultants can:

  • Provide you with a detailed Subsidence Report
  • Carry out Site Investigations to determine the true cause of subsidence
  • Offer remedial advice on how best to repair the damage
  • Offer advice should you have any issues with a current insurance claim