This summer was one for the record books, with temperatures skyrocketing week on week across the UK. But we’re not the only ones affected by the extreme heat – it appears the ground beneath our homes is under threat too.
New findings show that heatwaves cause a sharp incline in subsidence claims, according to MyBuilder.com.
After the 2022 heatwave, insurers paid out an estimated £219 million, the highest annual subsidence bill in 16 years at the time.
The Met Office described 2025’s summer as the hottest on record. After these heatwaves, domestic subsidence payouts reached around £307 million.
2026 is set to top the charts as the longest period of hot weather on record, indicating that subsidence is likely to be an increasing problem for houses across the UK and beyond.
What is subsidence?
Subsidence is the downward sinking of ground beneath a building.
Why do heatwaves cause subsidence?
When there is a lack of rain, moisture evaporates from the soil, which can lead to soil shrinkage. This is particularly a problem in areas of clay soil. When soils shrink, a house’s foundations begin to move and lose the support they rely on, which can cause cracks to appear.
What are the other causes of subsidence?
- The presence of large tree roots and shrubs can suck moisture out of the surrounding soil, which has the same effect of heatwaves in causing the soil to shrink. Mature trees are a notable issue, as they can draw significant amounts of water from the ground.
- Leaking drains can soften or wash away the soil supporting a building.
What are the signs to look out for?
The clearest signs of subsidence are diagonal cracks, particularly next to doors or windows – they’re usually narrower at the bottom and wider at the top. These cracks can often be seen both inside and outside the house.
If you have wallpaper, you might spot areas where wallpaper is creasing or tearing at the joins.
Doors and windows sticking is another potential sign of subsidence.
Don’t panic if you see any of these signs, but don’t ignore signs of movement either. It’s always worth getting it checked out. Avoid DIY repairs and always seek specialist advice.
What are the risks posed by subsidence?
Subsidence can leave your home unstable and dangerous, and will ultimately lead to a significant decrease in the value of your home.
If you’re in the process of buying a house, make sure you get a survey done – as this can highlight any potential issues with subsidence. A house with ongoing subsidence is unlikely to be granted a mortgage and could be difficult to sell.
Is there anything you can do to prevent subsidence?
Seek expert advice before planting trees near a house, as the safe planting distance will depend on a number of factors, from the species of the tree to the soil composition.
If you’re doing an extension or undertaking any structural work to the house’s foundations, ensure the new foundations are designed for any shrinkable clay soil condition.
Top image credit: Getty Images
