Subsidence

[HappinessNow]

Hello All,

Can you advise if this looks like subsidence. This is under 1 of our windows.

Appreciate your help.

Here is the closer video for your expert opinion.

Here are the pics.

Both arches are collapsing and need to be rebuilt, possibly with the addition of a concrete lintel internally.
I would think covered by your building insurance.

Here they are.Please advise/suggest.

Thanks, Do you suspect subsidence. Please guide.

Not subsidence, IMO. The window frames may be holding up the brickwork, or more likely there is a wooden lintel above the window, possibly with woodworm or rot.
Arches do collapse like this. Once rebuilt and the lintel investigated/replaced should be fine.
It does look to be repointed.

The pics aren't great but it does look like a crack on the outside too. Could be a result of the replacement UPVC door lacking any structural integrity, could be the result of what looks like inappropriate cement pointing which has weakened the soft bricks, could be movement, or a combination of all these. Questions you need to ask your surveyor.

Get your own surveyor to advise before contacting your insurer. Do not contact your asking them to check for subsidence unless your surveyor and / or a reputable experienced builder tells you it is likely subsidence.

Even enquiring gives you a ‘yes’ box to tick wrt subsidence and your premium can shoot up, or your house harder to sell, just for suspecting, even if it isn’t.

Bitter experience from 2 friends, one of whom followed blithe ‘ask your insurers’ advice from MN… when it obviously wasn’t subsidence IMO.

Thanks everyone for your response. Will wait for the survey reports and keep you updated. Thanks again.