Frequently asked questions

Subsidence occurs when the ground under a building's foundations drops or shifts downward. Shrinkable clay soils drying out in hot summers, tree roots drawing moisture from the soil, and leaking drains washing material away from beneath footings are common triggers across the UK. When the ground shifts unevenly, walls crack, frames go out of square, and floors can slope. Left without attention, the movement and damage tend to worsen.

Diagonal cracks running from the corners of windows or doors are a recognised pattern, particularly where the crack is wider at one end. Stepped cracking along mortar beds in brickwork, gaps opening between walls and ceilings, and doors or windows that suddenly stick can all point to foundation movement. A specialist can examine the pattern and width of cracks to determine whether active ground movement is the cause.

A specialist will attend the property, record crack patterns and widths, examine the foundations, check drainage, and identify the likely cause of movement. Heritage buildings often require lime-based repair methods rather than cement, and the specialist takes the construction type into account before advising on next steps. After the assessment, the specialist provides a written summary of the repair options available.

Sometimes. Where a leaking drain or tree roots are causing the ground to move, addressing those problems may be enough to stop further settlement. Crack monitoring over a period of time can then confirm whether the ground has stabilised. Structural underpinning is reserved for cases where the foundation itself cannot carry the building once the underlying cause is removed. A specialist assesses which approach suits the property.

Price depends on the cause of movement, the repair method chosen, the length of wall or foundation affected, site access, and the materials required. Lime mortar repointing costs differently from structural underpinning or resin injection. Lime mortar repointing carries a different price from structural underpinning or resin injection, so no single figure covers every job. A specialist comes to the property, assesses what they find, and provides a written quote for the work. There is no charge for that quote.

Yes. If a survey report has flagged cracking, previous movement or shallow foundations, a specialist can attend the property ahead of exchange. Include the property address, your expected exchange date, and any relevant findings from the survey when you describe your situation. The specialist will confirm what investigation is required and put together a written quote covering any work identified.

Filling visible cracks without addressing ground movement means those cracks return once the ground shifts again. Heritage buildings also need materials that are compatible with the original construction: cement-based repairs can trap moisture and cause further damage to old masonry. A subsidence specialist identifies the cause of movement first, then selects a repair method suited to the structure. They can also produce documentation that satisfies insurers and mortgage lenders.

The time before a specialist can attend is determined by the firm's diary and where the property sits. How long repairs take depends on the method chosen: crack monitoring carried out over several months to confirm the building has stabilised is a longer process than a targeted lime mortar repointing job. The specialist firm will set out a realistic programme once the cause has been confirmed and a repair method agreed.