Subsidence service guide – Part 1

Subsidence Overview

Subsidence is a serious threat to built structures. However, it can be difficult to detect, especially in its early stages. Also, both investigations and remedial action required must be undertaken by qualified and experienced specialists for the best long-term outcomes.

This is Part 1 of a three part guide to subsidence, drawing on the expertise of Catalyst teams in undertaking subsidence site investigations, drainage investigations, and subsidence monitoring – especially for insurance claims clients and their customers – plus technical knowledge of long-term solutions to subsidence.

Here, we provide an overview of what subsidence is (and what it is not), the general terms that define it, its causes and how it can be detected. In Part 2 and we explain subsidence investigations and monitoring. In Part 3, we look at subsidence repair, prevention and insurance.


What is subsidence?

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.


What is heave?

Heave is a process that is the opposite of subsidence. It happens when the soil substrates beneath a property expand and push the ground upwards. This can cause damage to built structures.

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