Hot summer to increase subsidence risk
Homeowners are being urged to ensure their home insurance covers them for subsidence.
Despite recent heavy rain showers, the Met Office states this year is "odds on for a barbecue summer", with temperatures over 30 degrees and a repeat of the wet summers of 2007 and 2008 is unlikely.
A warm summer may bring out a few sun loungers into gardens, but it also increases the chances of subsidence striking.
Research by moneysupermarket.com shows for a property which has previously been affected by subsidence only one provider, Peacock Insurance, would re-quote for buildings cover.
Steve Sweeney, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket, said: "The hot weather can cause the ground beneath a property to dry out and become unstable, and homes with trees nearby are more at risk of subsidence as roots grow in search of water during dry spells, taking moisture from the soil."
He explained the most common sign of subsidence is cracks appearing in the wall, especially around the door and window frames.
"However, homeowners or buyers should only be alarmed when cracks are wider than a thumb as some cracking will occur naturally in buildings; in those cases though they should immediately alert their insurer to assess the situation," Mr Sweeney said.
"I urge homeowners to be as honest as possible and fully update their insurer if there are any signs of subsidence around their home."
For homeowners struggling to find an insurer after an episode of subsidence, the advice is to approach a specialist insurer.
Advice on spotting and dealing with subsidence are available from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).
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