OUR SUBSIDENCE
SURVEYS
Prevent hidden, potentially dangerous and costly structural issues from getting out of hand – check your building’s structure with AMS Surveys. We’ll help identify and address issues before they become more serious problems, with structural surveys, inspections, engineer's reports, structural calculations suitable for Building Regulations, and structural investigations. Serving Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, and across the North.
CHOSEN AND TRUSTED BY CLIENTS ACROSS THE NORTH
WHAT IS SUBSIDENCE INVESTIGATION?
Subsidence refers to the ground beneath a building sinking or shifting, which can lead to serious structural damage. Since 1971, subsidence has been routinely covered by household insurance policies, often alongside related issues like heave, landslip, and water damage from underground drainage or supply pipes.
At AMS Surveys, we specialise in subsidence investigations that identify both the cause and extent of structural movement, helping homeowners and insurers make informed decisions based on accurate monitoring and testing.
WHAT CAUSES SUBSIDENCE?
Subsidence can be triggered by a range of environmental or man-made factors, including:
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Poor ground conditions (e.g. loose, granular, or sandy soils)
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Excess groundwater or changes in the water table
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Tree roots absorb moisture from clay soils
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Collapsed drains or leaking pipes beneath the property
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Historical mining activity or made-up ground settling
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Landslip or retaining wall failures
Understanding the root cause is essential to recommend the right remediation, and that starts with a thorough investigation.
OUR SUBSIDENCE INVESTIGATION & MONITORING APPROACH
We offer both intrusive and non-intrusive subsidence monitoring, tailored to the structure and site conditions.
Structural Monitoring Techniques
Our surveyors use:
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Precision crack and datum monitoring to track fractures over time
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Level survey monitoring at points fixed near foundations
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Tilt monitoring for heritage buildings or structures showing instability
These methods help us assess how much, and in what direction, a structure is moving — vital information for insurance claims or repair works.
Ground and Foundation Investigations
If movement is confirmed, we may recommend further testing such as:
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Borehole investigations to determine soil type and water levels
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Trial pits to inspect the foundations directly
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Tree root and moisture influence assessments
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Drainage surveys to identify leaks or collapses
Where appropriate, we also use non-invasive excavation techniques, which are effective for sensitive or historic properties where minimal disruption is key.
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