When should I worry about cracks in walls?
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When should I worry about cracks in walls?
Severe – cracks up to 25mm wide could be a sign of structural damage and should be inspected and repaired by a professional. Very severe – any crack above 25mm in width indicates serious structural damage and will need major repair work, which could include underpinning and rebuilding.
Are cracks in wall a concern?
Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood members due to termite damage. Likewise, cracks wider than one-quarter inch indicate a potential problem with the home’s structure.
Are hairline cracks in wall normal?
Problematic wall cracks will typically start at windows, doorways or house corners. Generally, smaller hairline cracks are not cause for concern. These are usually the result of seasonal expansion and contraction of clay soils beneath your house over time, and can be easily patched and re-painted.
Where do subsidence cracks appear?
Subsidence cracks usually run diagonally across a wall, and tend to be wider at the top than at the bottom. They are often found around doors and windows. Large vertical cracks can also be a tell-tale sign of structural movement.
How do you identify subsidence?
What are the tell-tale signs of subsidence?
- Large cracks in a wall, usually around a door or window frame, which are wider at the top than they are at the bottom.
- Doors and windows sticking.
- Sloping floors – this is common in older properties.
How can you tell if a property has subsidence?
Evidence of subsidence
- Cracks in the walls, ceilings and outside brickwork.
- Expanding of existing cracks.
- Cracks appearing after a long phase of dry weather.
- Rippling of wallpaper that isn’t caused by damp.
- Sticking of doors and windows suggesting doorframes or windowframes have changed shape.
What does a subsidence crack look like?
Cracks caused by subsidence are normally of a diagonal nature and will suddenly appear in plaster work inside the building and on brickwork outside. They will usually be thicker than fine hairline cracks, which may be caused by natural movement of a structure, and tend to be wider at the top.
What are the main signs of subsidence?
Evidence of subsidence
- Cracks in the walls, ceilings and outside brickwork.
- Expanding of existing cracks.
- Cracks appearing after a long phase of dry weather.
- Rippling of wallpaper that isn’t caused by damp.
- Sticking of doors and windows suggesting doorframes or windowframes have changed shape.
How quickly does subsidence progress?
It may be that the surveyor decides your home needs to be monitored before they can determine whether the ground is sinking. This can take up to 12 months.
What do internal subsidence cracks look like?
Will a surveyor check for subsidence?
Chartered Building Surveyors can assist their Clients by diagnosing whether the cracking is caused by settlement or subsidence based on an analysis of the location and pattern of the cracking. The survey report will clearly list where the movement has occurred and outline the next steps for the buyer.
