Subsidence is the vertical downward movement of a building foundation caused by loss of support of the site beneath the foundations. It can occur suddenly or gradually.
It is one of the most serious and distressing problems a property owner or manager can face, and with the UK experiencing more volatile weather (frequent periods of heavy rainfall interspersed with longer periods of dry weather), building subsidence risk is a growing concern.
There are many causes of subsidence, including leaking drains and sewers. This causes the softening of supporting soils or washing away of fine materials such as sandy soil, resulting in the loss of support to the house foundation, as shown in this illustration.
Catalyst will investigate subsidence problems and support contractors to put in place robust and practical solutions. Our aim is to tackle subsidence threats as early and quickly as possible, giving home owners and managers peace of mind and supporting property value.
Click here to find out more about the causes of subsidence and our range of investigative services.
Helping business and domestic customers every day of the year
May 16, 2023
Ability and enthusiasm wins Damian insurance career boost
Catalyst Services UK has made its latest internal promotion as it continues to develop its operation to meet growing demand for its services. Damian Elder, who joined Catalyst in January 2023, has been promoted to be a property claims handler. He joined the business after moving to the UK from Johannesburg, South Africa....
May 10, 2023
Catalyst’s Paul Duddle voted into top job at subsidence forum
Paul Duddle, Head of Technical and Network at Catalyst Services UK, has been selected to be the Vice-Chair of the Subsidence Forum, the expert body for subsidence in the United Kingdom....
May 09, 2023
Emily and Joe achieve insurance qualification success
Catalyst colleagues Emily Carter and Joe Langridge have taken a major step forward in their careers as insurance professionals by being awarded their Chartered Insurance Institute Certificates. ...
