Structural movement in residential properties refers to the shifting or displacement of the building’s structure from its original position. This movement can manifest in various forms, such as cracking or distortion.

It is a common issue faced by homeowners in the UK and can be caused by a range of factors.

Let’s address your questions one by one:

1.Most common causes of structural movement

Settlement: Some settling of a building over time is not unusual and can lead to minor cracks, but significant settlement could indicate a more serious problem.

Subsidence: This occurs when the ground beneath the property sinks or collapses, causing the building’s foundations to move unevenly. Such movement may be caused by underground operations such as mining.

Clay Soil: Expansive clay soils can contract and expand with moisture changes, affecting the stability of the building.

Tree Roots: Trees close to the property can draw moisture from the soil, leading to shrinkage and movement of the ground.

Water Leaks: Leaking pipes or inadequate drainage can weaken the ground and affect the foundations.

Mining or Quarrying: Properties built on or near former mining or quarrying sites may experience movement due to voids or subsidence.

2. Assessing the seriousness of the movement:

The seriousness of structural movement depends on the extent of the movement and the rate of progression. Minor, hairline cracks may not be a significant concern, but large, widening cracks or sudden movements indicate a more severe issue that requires attention. A professional assessment is essential to determine the cause of the movement and the severity.

3.Monitoring movement and repairing damage:

Small, insignificant movement may not require repair, but it is essential to monitor it regularly to ensure it doesn’t worsen. Significant or progressive movement must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the property.

Repairs for structural movement will vary significantly depending on the cause and severity, but some common methods include underpinning (strengthening the foundation), crack repair, installing restraints, drainage improvements, removing trees causing subsidence.

4.Recognising structural movement:

Homeowners can look out for signs of structural movement, such as:

– Cracks in walls (particularly diagonal or wider than 3mm).

– Cracks near doors and windows.

– Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly.

– Bulging of walls.

– Rippling or uneven floors.

5.Specialist advice:

If you suspect or observe structural movement in your residential property, it is crucial to seek advice from a qualified professional such as:

Chartered Building Surveyor or structural engineer: They can inspect the property, identify the cause of the movement, assess the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.

Remember, structural issues can worsen over time, so it’s essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage and potential safety risks.

At Avery we have RICS qualified Chartered Building Surveyors who are able to carry out an inspection. We cover most of the North West and North Wales, you can see a list of our RICS Surveyors here.

We are a friendly team and would be happy to have a chat with you before the inspection to find out if you have any specific worries about the property before we begin. We will also go through the report and explain our findings with you to ensure you understand them. If you would like to book a building survey, or find out more about our services, you can contact us via our contact form or call our head office on 0330 088 5040.