The Summer of 2026 has been a scorcher. Heatwaves, drought and record-high weather has left the UK reeling. But, while the weather is now taking a noticeable change to the cooler side, there is one thing you should check.
With these record-high heats, some home owners could be at risk of damage to their homes. Prolonged hot weather can cause havoc with your house foundations.
According to Andy Simms, a home expert from Mybuidler.com, subsidence can leave your home unstable and dangerous if left unchecked, eventually leading to some expensive costs or a huge reduction in the value of your home.
Recent reports show that the 2022 heatwave caused a sharp incline in subsidence claims, with insurers paying out an estimated £219 million.
“When there has been such a lack of rain, moisture evaporates from the soil. Clay soils in particular can shrink, and foundations start to move and lose the support they need. As the ground moves in an uneven fashion, so does the foundation above it, causing cracks to appear,” says Simms.
“It’s not an unusual problem, and can be treated if you catch it early. There are certain signs to look out for, such as diagonal cracks, those you can see from both inside and outside your home, and doors and windows sticking. Don’t panic if you do see any signs, but also don't ignore movement - noticing it early on can prevent larger problems later down the line.
What to look for
Simms advises doing a check around your house, keeping an eye out for:
- A crack more than 3mm thick, cracks that are diagonal and wider at the top and slimmer at the bottom, cracks you can see from both the inside and outside of the house, or cracks near doors and windows
- Wallpaper creasing at the joins and where the wall meets the ceiling
- Doors and windows sticking as frames warp
- Cracks where an extension joins the house
What to do if you see any of these issues
If you do encounter any of these issues, it is important that you don’t attempt to fix it with DIY structural repairs. Filling in a crack and repainting it won’t solve the issue. Instead get an expert in to investigate the next steps.
A professional will be needed urgently if the. Cracks are widening quickly, running diagonally or are wider than 5mm.
These temperatures are likely to continue in the future, so staying on top of issues will be crucial to avoid a larger bill down the line.
