Homeowners have been warned that subsidence may be more of a problem this summer than in the past few years.
Subsidence, the gradual sinking of an area of land, is expected to increase because of the hot summer forecast this year, Halifax Home Insurance explained.
Incidences of subsidence increase in dry, sunny weather, as vegetation in the garden grows more quickly and requires more moisture.
In the past four years, the problem has cost the insurance industry £823m, spread across 144,000 claims.
"Signs that a property might be suffering from subsidence include cracks in walls, particularly if they start from the corners of windows or doors which themselves may become difficult to open or close," advised Neil Curling, Halifax Home Insurance senior structural claims manager.
"The good news is there are... several measures homeowners can take if they are worried, which can go a long way towards avoiding a problem."
Tall trees located close to the property should be removed as they use up more water from the soil, while a drainage survey can help identify any potential problems, Halifax explained.
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