Does my house have subsidence?

Question

Victorian terraced property with a two storey outrigger to the rear has cracks along interior walls where outrigger joins.
The outrigger floor slopes down to the end and original ground floor doorway to the outrigger was replaced with an arch ten years ago.
Cracks have worsened in the last few months with tiles in bathroom getting further from the outrigger wall.
What can we do?

Krzysztof · Accepted Answer

I have to disappoint you, your house is settling 100%, you need to prevent further settling as soon as possible and install a steel structure in the wall that is sagging and a truss under the floor.

Stephen · Answer

Yes it does seem as if there is some movement if the cracks are worsening, being a victorian  building it  is probably built on spread footings ,so underpinning may be necessary, as the brickwork is solid construction this would account for cracks appearing internally.

Harry · Answer

Hi Claire,

Without physical inspection I cannot give a definitive answer yet the symptoms you are describing is similarly and leads me to believe that you would have a form of movement/subsidence. I would advise calling a structural engineer to assess and provide a rectification strategy. If cracks are getting worse over time it is a common sign and internal cracking will be more prevent in solid (9in) brickwork walls.

Hope this helps!

John · Answer

Get a structure  engineer  to have a look at it 
To make report on the property  they are the best one 
To give you advice  on what is the best way to do it at least you it on paper

Peter · Answer

It need further inspection take back plaster to brickwork inside make sure any lintels are in place and secure check footings have not sunk or just the floor slab has moved difficult to acess without physical inspection
hope this helps regards peter pal construction

Doug · Answer

Hi 
Unfortunately it dose sound very much like subsistence I would get someone out to take a look and get some advice on a possible solution 
Can I ask if you have trees close to the property or had any removed as this could also be the problem

Dawid · Answer

Call for structure engineer and ask for written assessment. If it's getting worse then probably works was not carried out properly and according to  building regulations, or it might be a lot of ground movement , which causing this kind of cracks.

Mason · Answer

The outrigger could be a weak point structurally, especially where it joins the main house. If the foundations are shallower than the main building (common in Victorian properties), it might be more prone to movement. The sloping floor suggests gradual sinking or shifting, which could be caused by subsidence, rotting joists, or foundation settlement. The fact that the cracks are worsening near this junction and tiles are pulling away suggests ongoing movement. A structural engineer should assess whether it’s a foundation issue or something like timber decay affecting floor support.

Jurgen · Answer

Your Victorian terrace shows signs of structural movement at the outrigger junction, likely due to differential settlement. The worsening cracks, sloping floor, and tile separation indicate ongoing issues.
Recommended Actions:
Structural Engineer Assessment – Confirm the cause and extent of movement.
Monitor Cracks – Track changes with photos and measurements.
Inspect Drainage – Check for leaks, poor drainage, or tree-related subsidence.
Strengthen Junction – Possible solutions include wall stitching, steel ties, or underpinning.
Reinforce Floor & Archway – Assess floor support and ensure adequate structural reinforcement.

Steve · Answer

A structural survey is going to need to take place, this sounds like subsidence

Does my house have subsidence?

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising