Check if your postal code indicates a potential risk of subsidence; online utility allegedly provides the solution
In a bid to help homeowners better understand the risk of subsidence in their areas, engineering firm Geobear has launched a new postcode-based subsidence risk tool. This innovative tool allows users to assess the risk of subsidence in their postcode district by entering their postcode and indicating whether large trees are located within ten metres of their property.
The risk determination is based on multiple factors combined, including verified case data from over 25,000 subsidence reports collected by Geobear, local soil type, particularly the presence of clay-rich soils that are prone to shrink-swell behaviour, the shrink-swell potential of the soil, density of nearby tree coverage, and the number of past subsidence cases per 1,000 homes in the postcode area.
Clay soils, especially expansive shrink-swell clays, pose the highest risk because they contract when dry, causing ground movement that damages buildings. Tree proximity further raises the risk by drying out the soil. Geobear’s tool integrates these datasets with community-level mapping of risk patterns to provide a public-facing platform for better understanding and managing subsidence exposure before damage occurs.
It's important to note that the tool mainly provides a general risk indicator for postcode districts rather than assessing specific properties or foundations. However, it helps homeowners, buyers, insurers, and property managers take early preventative action. It highlights regional variations, such as higher risks in some North London postcodes (e.g., N20, N11) due to case density and clay soils, compared to low-risk areas with more stable geology like Cumbria and Gwynedd.
Subsidence occurs when soil beneath a property loses moisture and contracts, causing structures to shift unevenly, resulting in cracking walls, misaligned doors, and potential structural instability. Repairs for subsidence typically range from £10,000 to £50,000, and claims can take months to investigate and resolve. Once a home has had confirmed subsidence, that history usually must be disclosed during future sales.
The new postcode tool cannot replace professional evaluation, but it may serve as a starting point for further investigation, especially for those planning renovations, applying for insurance, or considering a home purchase in vulnerable areas. As climate patterns shift, causing more frequent periods of extreme heat and low rainfall, the risk of subsidence is increasing. This year, early signs are causing concern among climate analysts and loss adjusters due to below-average rainfall, above-average temperatures, and three heatwaves by mid-summer.
In conclusion, Geobear's tool combines historical subsidence data, soil and tree proximity information, and postcode districts to produce an accessible subsidence risk rating for homeowners across the UK. This tool can help those buying a house make informed choices when buying a house with subsidence.
- Geobear's new postcode-based subsidence risk tool, accessible to all, integrates various datasets to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subsidence risk in different postcode districts.
- By using this tool, homeowners can make informed decisions about potential renovation plans, insurance applications, or even home purchasing, as it highlights regional variations in subsidence risk.
- The tool takes into account the costs associated with subsidence repairs, which typically range from £10,000 to £50,000, and the potential impact on housing market value and future real-estate transactions.
- In the context of climate change, with more frequent periods of extreme heat and low rainfall, the risk of subsidence is increasing, making this tool a valuable guide for homeowners.
- For those considering investments in the housing market or environmental-science-related fields, understanding the science behind subsidence and its impact on the environment is crucial.
- Homeowners, property managers, insurers, and researchers can all benefit from this tool in their planning, as it helps build a more sustainable and resilient housing market.
- This innovative tool also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental-science research and finance investment in tackling the challenges posed by climate-change-induced subsidence.
