"Few people are aware of the major effects of subsidence, and any delays in reporting and resolving the issue could be costly and cause extensive delays"
- David Hedley - Mainmark UK
Facilities managers and commercial property occupiers are being advised to stay vigilant for signs of ground movement, as rising temperatures this summer could increase the risk of subsidence, erosion, and sinkholes beneath business premises.
According to the latest data from the MET Office, June 2025 was the warmest on record for England and the second warmest for the UK since national records began in 1884. This follows a spring that was both the sunniest and driest on record, with rainfall totalling just 128.2mm—less than half the 303.1mm recorded in spring 2024.
The MET Office’s previous three-month outlook reported a more than twofold increase in the likelihood of a hotter-than-average summer in the UK, with a heightened probability of heatwaves. If conditions continue to intensify, experts warn that prolonged dry weather may lead to shrinkage in the soil beneath commercial properties, resulting in structural movement and damage.
Subsidence occurs when voids develop in the ground under a structure, weakening foundations and leading to uneven settling. In recent months, the UK has seen a notable increase in sinkholes forming beneath buildings and roads, often linked to collapsing sub-surface voids.
To reduce the risk of disruption and costly repairs, subsidence specialist Mainmark UK is encouraging property professionals to monitor buildings closely and respond to early warning signs.
“With temperatures expected to skyrocket over the next three months, we need to be considering the wider impact of this weather on commercial properties such as warehouses, office buildings and retail units,” said David Hedley, commercial & infrastructure lead at Mainmark UK. “The majority of subsidence cases reported to us occur after periods of prolonged heat. This tends to be even more common in areas with rich, clay soil, such as London and the South East of England, and is worsening as we get deeper into the climate crisis.”
He added: “As moisture evaporates from the ground, soil contracts and shrinks. Over time, this leaves considerable gaps in the ground. Foundations that were once stable can shift in the ground, cracking walls and floors, and warping surfaces.”
Subsidence can develop slowly, but a delay in addressing early indicators may result in significant long-term damage. “Few people are aware of the major effects of subsidence, and any delays in reporting and resolving the issue could be costly and cause extensive delays,” Hedley explained. “We have previously supported with the releveling of a commercial office building in Milton Keynes, after record summer temperatures started to accelerate subsidence damage to the property.”
“Because the problem was reported with urgency, we were able to rectify the issue in just seven days without causing business disruption,” he noted. “If the issue had been allowed to worsen over the years, it could have led to windows and doors becoming unusable due to sticking, severe impact to the employee’s working environment and substantially higher repair costs.”
Subsidence, if identified early, can be resolved using non-invasive remediation. “If caught early, initial subsidence is a quick fix and can be resolved using non-disruptive methods, like resin injection technology,” Hedley said. “This solution quickly and accurately strengthens structures, fills voids and relevels surfaces, and will futureproof commercial properties from the climate crisis.”
Identifying the warning signs
The most visible early warning sign of subsidence is the appearance of diagonal cracks, particularly near windows and doors. These cracks may increase in width over time and signal movement in the structure as the foundation shifts.
Additional symptoms may include misaligned or leaning walls, posts, or fences, often due to uneven settling beneath. In commercial environments, managers might also observe surface distortions, such as buckling, sagging, or dips in loading bays, access roads, car parks, and other hardstanding areas.
These issues reflect ground movement under paved surfaces and can present hazards to both vehicles and foot traffic. If left untreated, the problem may lead to further deterioration and broader site instability.
“My advice to anyone who spots these symptoms is to take note of them right away and reach out to an expert, who can offer a free on-site visit with a quote,” Hedley advised. “While reporting subsidence issues early might appear as an extra expense, it’s the best step towards safeguarding properties and minimising future costs.”
