Our Subsidence Survey & Investigation Services
At CTS, our experienced site operatives use a range of subsidence survey and investigation techniques, from simple trial pits to complex deep rotary boreholes. We combine specialist on-site testing with laboratory analysis to build a full picture of what is happening below ground, so developers, insurers, and property owners understand risk and take appropriate action.
Our approach is built around technically robust investigation, practical risk reduction, and concise, evidence-based reporting. Whether you’re dealing with suspected subsidence, monitoring ongoing movement, or preparing for development, we deliver the insights needed to make informed decisions and meet planning and regulatory requirements with confidence.
What Causes Subsidence?
Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a building moves or sinks, causing the foundations to shift. This can lead to uneven floors, sticking doors / windows, and wider structural movement. An early sign of subsidence is cracking within the property.
Common causes of subsidence include:
- Tree root-related subsoil shrinkage
- Excess water / moisture below ground
- Clay soils, susceptible to swelling / shrinkage due to rainfall (natural ground subsidence)
- Manmade factors, like failed drainage
The first step of investigation is to understand what is happening beneath the ground. We assess soil type, foundation details, water conditions, and nearby trees to determine the cause. Not all building movement is subsidence, so a thorough subsidence survey is essential.
Laboratory Soil Testing & Subsidence
Identifying the cause of subsidence usually involves taking soil samples from boreholes and analysing them in the laboratory. This helps us understand how the soil behaves and whether it is contributing to building subsidence.
Our soil subsidence testing services include:
- Moisture content
- Atterberg limit tests
- Filter paper suction tests
- Oedometer swell / strain (Heave) tests
- Particle size distribution (PSD)
- Heave reports
Talk to the CTS team to find out more about how our Subsidence Investigation Services can support your next project.
Pre-Build Subsidence Prevention
With changing weather patterns across the UK, subsidence risk is becoming more common. Pre-build investigations help identify issues before construction starts. This reduces the likelihood of future movement and costly remediation.
CTS engineers can carry out tailored ground investigations and risk assessments. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of future ground and building subsidence.
Why Choose CTS for Subsidence Investigation Services?
At CTS, our engineers and technicians understand the concerns of both property owners and insurers. We work carefully on site, minimise disruption, and leave properties clean and tidy after our exploratory subsidence surveys and investigations.
Combining on-site testing with UKAS-accredited laboratory services, we consistently produce clear, reliable subsidence reports. Our team explains findings in plain language so you understand what is happening and what to do next.
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Ground Subsidence FAQs
What subsidence investigation services do you offer?
CTS provides a range of subsidence survey services, including identifying early signs of subsidence, crack monitoring, and full site investigations to understand what’s happening below ground.
Our experienced teams assess foundations, soil and tree root conditions and movement, and we also carry out drainage and pipework condition surveys where leaks may be contributing to ground subsidence.
What is a subsidence survey?
A subsidence survey investigates whether subsidence is affecting a building and what is causing it. A chartered surveyor usually carries out the assessment and identifies the most likely cause.
How to check for subsidence on a property?
A specialist, like CTS, provide factual reports and recommendations for drain repairs. All other issues will need to be assessed by a qualified structural engineers.
Will a homebuyer survey show subsidence?
Yes. A homebuyer survey highlights serious structural issues, including building subsidence. Surveyors also check drainage, damp, and insulation.
Who should I contact about subsidence – surveyor or structural engineer?
A structural engineer can assess movement and provide a structural report. However, a chartered surveyor usually carries out a full building survey, including checks for ground subsidence.
What happens during a subsidence investigation?
Investigations usually involve trial pits and boreholes to examine foundations, soils, and roots, followed by laboratory analysis of any samples. We also monitor movement of the building using precise crack and level measurements to understand patterns and causes. While tools like a “subsidence risk postcode checker free” can give a general idea, they cannot replace a professional on-site investigation.