Frequently asked questions

Subsidence is the sinking of ground beneath a property's footings. When the earth shifts unevenly, the load above it distributes unevenly too, which can crack walls, tilt floors and pull frames out of square. Conservatories are particularly vulnerable because they typically have shallower foundations than the main house and sit on ground that may have different drainage or soil characteristics. Ignored, the cracking and structural distortion tend to worsen over time.

Diagonal cracks at window corners, gaps opening between the conservatory frame and the main wall, doors that no longer close squarely, and a floor that has started to slope are all signs worth taking seriously. Cracks that are visibly wider at one end than the other, or that have appeared suddenly and grown over a few weeks, suggest ongoing movement rather than routine settlement.

Shrinkable clay soils drying out in hot summers are a frequent trigger across much of the UK, as are leaking drains carrying water away from beneath the footings, and tree or large shrub roots drawing moisture from the surrounding soil. Poor original foundation depth, disturbed made-ground, and changes to surface drainage after landscaping work can all contribute.

Not always. Cracks from thermal expansion in a glass or polycarbonate structure, normal settlement in a recently built conservatory, or failed sealant can look similar to movement-related cracking but have different remedies. A specialist examines the crack pattern, location and width alongside the site history and soil type before advising whether repair is needed. Describing what you have observed, with photos if possible, helps the specialist give useful initial guidance.

The repair method depends on what is causing the movement and how far it has progressed. A specialist will first identify the root cause, which may involve checking drains, examining soil conditions or monitoring crack widths over time. Repair approaches range from resin injection to stabilise ground beneath shallow footings, to underpinning sections of the foundation. The specialist sets out the appropriate method after a site visit.

The specialist firm attends the property, examines the conservatory structure and its junction with the main building, assesses any cracking, checks the surrounding ground and drainage, and identifies the likely cause of movement. They then advise on whether immediate repair is needed or whether a period of crack monitoring is the right first step. The specialist firm carries out all assessment and repair work.

What the repair costs depends on the method used, how far the ground has moved, the depth required to reach stable ground, how easy the site is to access, and whether drainage work or crack monitoring runs at the same time as the structural repair. There is no fixed rate that applies across all properties. A specialist will visit, assess the property and provide a written quote. That quote is free.

Yes. Where a survey has identified cracking, past movement or shallow foundations on a conservatory, a specialist is able to attend the property ahead of exchange. When submitting your enquiry, state that you are a buyer and include the property address, the date you expect to exchange, and any relevant findings from the survey report. The specialist can then advise on what investigation is appropriate and provide a quote based on what they find.

Filling visible cracks without addressing what the ground beneath is doing means the movement continues and the damage returns. A subsidence specialist focuses on diagnosing ground movement first, then selecting a repair method matched to the soil type, foundation depth and extent of the problem. A subsidence specialist can also produce paperwork that satisfies home insurers and mortgage lenders, something a cosmetic fix will not achieve.

The date a specialist can attend depends on the firm's current workload and the location of the property. Repair duration varies considerably: monitoring crack movement over several months to confirm whether the ground has stabilised takes longer than a targeted resin injection on a limited area. Once the specialist has assessed the cause and settled on a method, they will give a realistic programme for the work.