Heatwave and drought cause rise in claims for subsidence

BLISTERING heat and sparse rainfall have led to a surge in subsidence cases, amid fears the dry summer may exacerbate buildings’ structural problems.

LV, one of Britain’s largest home insurers, said subsidence claims rose 200 per cent in the first two weeks of this month, compared with the same period last year. Subsidence arises more frequently in hot weather because when soil dries out buildings’ foundations can sink.

The exceptionally hot, dry weather has raised concerns that subsidence claims will break records this year. A nationwide heatwave in 2018 caused a 51 per cent rise in claims year on year.

Homeowners have been urged to examine their homes for potential issues. Typical signs of subsidence include new or widening cracks in walls, ceilings and outside brickwork, stuck doors and windows, sloping floors and ripples in dry wallpaper.

LV said hosepipe bans may worsen subsidence issues, as low soil moisture levels could no longer be addressed.

Thames Water has become the fifth water provider to announce a hosepipe ban, despite the rain and thunderstorms of recent days. Its ban will come into effect on Aug 24, and affect 10million households in the Thames Valley and London.

Welsh Water, Southern Water and South East Water have imposed bans, with South West Water and Yorkshire Water due to follow suit on Aug 23 and Aug 26, respectively.

Gallagher, an insurer, said the average claim for subsidence was £12,500, but in the worst cases, when the foundations of a property needed underpinning, bills could reach six figures.

The hot summer has also led to a surge in domestic fire-related claims, most caused by fires that had spread from nearby open heathland, LV said. The parched soil and an increased risk of fire were evidence that climate change was beginning to have an impact on home security, it added.