Is subsidence dangerous to live with?
Noticing your home is shifting can be a frightening experience. Your home is your hub, and your first priority is always the safety of your family. At Geobear, we are "uncertainty killers"—we provide the clear facts to help you understand the true safety reality of subsidence, moving you from fear to a controlled, professional solution.
The good news is that most subsidence is not immediately dangerous. However, it is a progressive issue that can become a serious safety risk if left ignored.
Lower risk scenarios
In many cases, the damage you see is cosmetic or historical. These situations generally do not pose an immediate threat:
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Stable cracks: Minor cracks that have not changed in size for a long period in non-structural walls.
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Stopped movement: Scenarios where the original cause (like a leak that was fixed years ago) is already resolved and the ground has settled.
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Surface level damage: Issues that only affect the appearance of your home rather than its structural skeleton.
Higher risk scenarios
When movement is active or affects the "bones" of your property, the risk increases. These signs require urgent professional attention:
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Rapid movement: Ongoing movement that is changing visibly over weeks or months.
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Structural weak points: Cracks appearing in load-bearing walls or around critical points like floor joists and roof supports.
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Severe tilting: Visible distortion of the building's frame or floors.
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Unstable features: Chimney stacks that appear to be leaning or pulling away from the house.
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Sinking slabs: Floor slabs that are sinking significantly, creating trip hazards or gaps.
The "Worst Case" (rare but real)
While extreme, ignoring progressive subsidence can eventually lead to:
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Structural collapse: In very severe cases, the integrity of the building can fail entirely.
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Utility failures: Ground movement can snap gas lines or water mains, leading to secondary hazards like leaks or floods.
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Total loss of integrity: A complete loss of structural safety that makes the home uninhabitable.
Our promise to you
We know how important it is to feel safe in your own home. Our Geobear solution focuses on addressing the root cause and stabilising the ground quickly and without the drama of invasive digging. We provide a custom-engineered treatment plan to give you back total confidence in your home’s foundations.
