Subsidence warning due to drought

Subsidence warning due to drought

14:22 PM, 24th February 2012, About 12 years ago 1

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– News Sourced by Property118 News Team –


he warning from the Environment Agency that the South East and London are suffering drought conditions could create bigger problems for home owners and landlords according to property insurance specialists Cadogan Keelan Westall.

Due to the drying out of the clay soil, subsidence has become an increasing problem. The drought of 1976 saw a spike in subsidence claims, and 2006 saw a 30% increase on the years leading up to it as a result of the dry summer of 2005.

Cadogan Keelan Westall have warned landlords to put preventative measure in place because of the current dry winter and state of drought in the East of England and London.

Jonathan Hackett, Client Development Director at Cadogan Keelan Westall explains: “Changing weather patterns and increasingly dry summers have made subsidence a matter of concern for many UK property owners. For those with properties susceptible to subsidence, the damage and disruption that it causes remains a worrying prospect.”

They urged home-owners to check for blocked drains and ensure plants and trees are a good distance away from the house as well as check pipes regularly. Mr Hackett also set out what to look for when it comes to subsidence.

“Subsidence cracks are normally around 1mm or more wide and are, quite often, wider at the top than at the bottom. If a series of small, often diagonal cracks suddenly appear in plaster work or at weak points around doors and windows or between different parts of the property, especially after long periods of dry weather, then it’s time to take action.

“Most buildings insurance policies will cover the damage resulting from subsidence. Property owners can considerably reduce the chances of their property being at risk by knowing what to look out for and taking some simple preventative measures.”


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Comments

15:13 PM, 28th February 2012, About 12 years ago

And what are the preventative measures please?  maybe flooding the surrounding ground!!

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