house subsiding??

Question

I THINK MY HOUSE IS LEANING TO ONE SIDE IS THIS SUBSIDENCE? ITS NOT A JOKE EITHER! SERIOUSLY, CAN HOUSES TAKE YEARS TI SUBSIDE? OR DOES IT HAPPEN SUDDENLY? HELP

Answer 1

Right get a level (spirit level) check walls for plumb if leaning out check floor ( dropping same way? ) any cracks showing on outside walls (by window & door cills or lintels usually ) . Other tell tale signs are wall paper in corners rinkled , plaster cracks inside walls or ceiling , doors stiff or rubbing on floor when opened ,alternatively swinging away from floor & hinges binding (creaking) . Houses need to be built on solid ground , old stone built can subside over the years due to many causes (water undermining usually soaking ground on one side , burst pipes same , large tree roots ?. Newer houses should be sound ,unless faulty foundations or unstable ground , or as per old houses . made up ground most usual cause , not left long enough to settle before building . Flooding another magor cause as per water damage but accellerated greatly . Dont panic are you the only one or surrounding houses same? , it is possible to halt or even improve subsidence by cleverly done under pinning , but thats not cheap, good luck, do your homework , can save you thousands of pounds trace reason , detective work , again good luck shurlock .

Answer 2

If you aren't up to checking it yourself, get a (properly qualified) surveyor or structural engineer to look it over. If it is subsiding, then (in the UK) don't panic - you will probably be covered by your buildings insurance, though with a heavy excess, so that you will have to pay the first £1,000. Any remedial work needs to be supervised and passed by a structural engineer - you will need his certificate when you eventually sell your house.

Answer 3

i might want to contact the council explaining your challenge have you ever offered any cracks in the walls interior or out? fortunate for you its a council resources or you may want to be searching at a hefty bill, in case your homestead is subsiding the homestead desires to be underpinned the council will deliver round a structural engineer to have a glance, if the artwork desires to be achieved you likely can stay in it even as the artwork is being achieved dont complication although, your homestead wont crumple!

Answer 4

If you're seriously worried its worth engaging a professional surveyor or structural engineer. money well spent for peace of mind or nipping in the bud a potentially very expensive development.

Answer 5

I think if youve got mines in your area theres a chance it could go quite quickly but I doubt it. I would ask a pro. You would most likely see cracks inside the house on the plastering/wallpaper.

Answer 6

both depending on subgrade & ground prep prior to construction