MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 03/18/12 — With Britain seeing its worst drought in 124 years(i), Swinton Insurance is warning homeowners to look for tell-tale signs that their house may have been damaged by the conditions.
Leading high street retailer of , Swinton, says that drought can cause subsidence damage to homes which is the downward movement of the ground supporting a property. The movement, that can create huge cracks in walls, floors and ceilings, is caused when the drought reduces water levels and the soil dries up resulting in less ground being under the building to hold it.
An obvious clue a property may have been damaged by subsidence is if a door or window no longer shuts properly or they don-t seem to be level anymore. The uneven movement can cause distortion and homeowners may find doors and windows catch on parts they didn-t come into contact with before.
Swinton does however say that if a crack is smaller than a 10p coin it should be safe and will only need routine maintenance or decoration but it is advised to keep an eye on the crack in case the size increases. Homeowners are told any distortion or cracks larger than a 10p coin though should be reported to their provider immediately.
Subsidence damage during droughts can be avoided if regular checks and maintenance are carried out on homes to spot any signs as early as possible.
Steve Chelton, Claims Manager at Swinton said “Subsidence damage can be devastating to homes and costly for the homeowner so it-s very important to be able to spot the signs of subsidence and have adequate . It is tempting to ignore cracks and to decorate over them but this is not beneficial in the long run.”
(i) Daily Express 14.03.12.
For more information please contact Mairead Rodden, Lucy Gordon or Alyssa Harrison at SKV Communications on 0161 838 7770 or email
About Swinton
Contacts:
SKV Communications
Mairead Rodden or Lucy Gordon
0161 838 7770