Mining subsidence repairs in Greater Manchester

Area: Greater Manchester
Pricing region: North West
Ground: Clay in parts
Towns listed: 23

Why does the ground in Greater Manchester matter for mining subsidence repairs?

Parts of Greater Manchester lie on a former coalfield, so a coal mining search is worth checking if movement has no obvious cause. Typical buildings in Greater Manchester: Red-brick terraces, mill-town stone terraces, inter-war semis and post-war estates.

What to expect when we carry out mining subsidence repairs

Engineer’s assessment
An independent chartered structural engineer inspects the damage and, if needed, recommends drilling or ground investigation to locate voids. We can arrange the engineer. Their report sets out the cause, whether movement has stopped and what repair is needed.
Written price to the scope
We price the repair from the engineer’s or claim schedule and confirm a fixed price in writing once the work is specified. Where a claim body or insurer is handling the repair, their own process for appointing contractors applies.
Repairs and records
Work proceeds once any ground treatment is complete and the engineer is satisfied. We stitch, stabilise or underpin as specified, make good inside and out, deal with building control where needed, and hand over records for your file.

Is it time for mining subsidence repairs? Common signs

A dip, hollow or hole opening in the garden or drive
Steps or ridges forming in paths, kerbs or garden walls
Damage that does not change with the seasons
Cracks appearing suddenly across several walls at once

What should you budget for mining subsidence repairs in Greater Manchester?

For Greater Manchester we use North West rates. Treat the table as a budget guide, inc VAT; the price you pay is the one on your written quote.

Guide prices inc VAT on North West rates. Items marked est. are our estimates.
Item	Guide price	Per
Crack stitching and making good	£75 – £175	per metre of crack
Re-levelling or ground stabilisation by resin injection	£770 – £1,450	per metre of wall
Underpinning where the engineer specifies it	£960 – £3,350	per metre of wall
Repair schedule for a claim (pricing an engineer's scope)est.	Free to request	—

Repair options we may recommend

Underpinning to sound ground

Where the engineer specifies it, foundations are taken down by mass concrete, beam-and-base or mini-piles to ground that will not move further. On mining sites the design often follows grouting of old workings so the new foundation sits above a stable mass.

Best for: Ongoing movement or damage beyond what crack repairs can hold

Pricing an engineer’s repair scope

When a claim is under way, the engineer or claim handler usually writes the scope of repairs. We price that schedule item by item, at no charge to request, and carry out the work if you choose us. Anything outside the scope is shown separately.

Best for: Homeowners with a mining claim or engineer’s report in hand

Ground stabilisation by resin injection

For localised settlement in the upper soil layers, expanding resin can be injected beneath the footings to firm the ground and sometimes reduce a small tilt. It is not suitable for large voids deep below, which need grouting or other specialist treatment first.

Best for: Shallow settlement once deeper voids are ruled out or treated

Mining subsidence: settlement over old shallow mine workings. Indicative drawing, not to scale.

Do you need approval for mining subsidence repairs in England?

In England, underpinning and other work that alters or strengthens a wall or foundation is building work under the Building Regulations (Part A, structure), so building control approves and inspects it. Like-for-like repairs often are not, and we tell you which applies before a price is agreed. Work to a party wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations, can also need a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Mining subsidence repairs near you in Greater Manchester

Your mining subsidence repairs questions

Does the ground around Manchester cause cracking?

Greater Manchester is mostly glacial till over sandstone and mudstone, with the Lancashire coalfield beneath much of Wigan, Bolton, Salford and parts of the east. Historic mine workings, made ground and old mill sites are common. Parts of Greater Manchester lie on a former coalfield, so a coal mining search is worth checking if movement has no obvious cause. Only an investigation on site can say why a particular building has moved.

How much will mining subsidence repairs cost in Greater Manchester?

On North West rates, mining subsidence repairs starts from about £75 per metre of crack, including VAT. The written price depends on the extent of the damage, access and whether an engineer or building control is needed.

How do I make a mining subsidence claim?

Start by reporting the damage to the Mining Remediation Authority, describing when it appeared and including photographs. They will usually arrange an inspection and investigation. Report promptly, because time limits can apply. Keep copies of everything you send, and notify your home insurer in parallel.

Can you repair mining damage that is not part of a claim?

Yes. If the damage is old and settled, or a claim has been closed, we can repair it privately. Send photos for a free initial assessment and you will receive a no-obligation written quote. If the cause is unclear, an engineer’s inspection first is sensible.

What about salt, lead or ironstone mining?

Damage from non-coal mining follows different routes. Cheshire’s brine areas have their own statutory compensation arrangements, while metal, ironstone and limestone workings often have no equivalent scheme, leaving your home insurer as the main route. A solicitor or your insurer can confirm which applies.