Home Foundation & Subsidence Blog | Geobear UK

Will subsidence get worse over time?

Written by Craig Dean | Dec 22, 2025 8:30:00 AM

Will subsidence get worse over time?

If you have noticed cracks appearing in your walls, your first worry is likely how far they will go. The short answer is: yes, subsidence typically gets worse if the underlying cause is not addressed. At Geobear, we believe in being "uncertainty killers"—providing you with the clear facts so you can protect your home before minor issues become major structural problems.

Why subsidence is often progressive

When the ground beneath your home is in motion, the damage to your property follows a timeline. If the cause is active, the damage will likely be progressive.

  • Ongoing leaks: If a broken drain keeps washing away soil, the foundation will continue to drop as the support disappears.

  • Active tree roots: In clay soils, roots will continue to extract moisture, causing the soil to keep shrinking and the ground to sink further.

  • Expanding voids: Underground gaps or old mining works can expand over time, leading to more significant settlement.

  • Increased structural stress: As the ground moves, cracks will widen, new ones will appear, and the overall stress on your building's structure will increase.

What happens when the cause is resolved?

If the primary cause stops—for example, if a drought ends, a tree is removed, or a leaking pipe is fixed—the movement will often stabilise naturally. However, there are two critical things to remember:

  1. The damage is already done: Cracks do not heal themselves. Even if the movement stops, the structural integrity of the walls has been compromised.

  2. Weakened soil remains weak: Ground that has been washed out or desiccated often remains unstable. Without professional ground improvement, the soil may not have the strength to support your home properly in the future.

How we can help

We don't believe in "wait and see." Our team uses advanced geopolymers to improve the bearing capacity of your soil and prevent significant further movement. We provide a custom-engineered treatment plan unique to your home, giving you a safe pair of hands and a permanent solution to stop the cycle of damage.