What to do about this (exterior brick wall) crack?
Discussion
See pics. Hasn't really got any worse in last few years. I'm not sure when it appeared / if it was always there. I've a feeling it may have arrived when we had the rear kitchen extension (which you can see in the last pic) as there was a lot of work going on and they had to remove the lower section of the original rear wall and put in RSJ's etc to open up the kitchen. I don't think it's subsidence - built on clay, and ground is solid afaik. It's above the front door so I suppose it gets slammed a few times a day too!
Only reason I'm a bit bothered is cos it actually goes through some of the bricks. My dad's good a building brick walls etc is it viable to remove those bricks by chiselling out the mortar etc and replacing them with new bricks?
thoughts?
Only reason I'm a bit bothered is cos it actually goes through some of the bricks. My dad's good a building brick walls etc is it viable to remove those bricks by chiselling out the mortar etc and replacing them with new bricks?
thoughts?
It's a straightforward job for a brick layer to cut them out, put in a new brick with mortar.
Looking generally at the pics, I think you need someone to do some general re-mortaring (it looks like someone has tried already, but badly). The blown faces of the bricks and the efflorescence are classic signs of water penetration.
Do you have any damp issues?
I don't think it's anything to worry about (although someone can correct me on this). If the cracks extended right down the building below the DPC, then you'd be looking at subsidence or settlement. I suspect this might just be thermal movement?
Looking generally at the pics, I think you need someone to do some general re-mortaring (it looks like someone has tried already, but badly). The blown faces of the bricks and the efflorescence are classic signs of water penetration.
Do you have any damp issues?
I don't think it's anything to worry about (although someone can correct me on this). If the cracks extended right down the building below the DPC, then you'd be looking at subsidence or settlement. I suspect this might just be thermal movement?
Interesting how it follows the line of half bricks, bit unfortunate that they ended up at that part of the wall, between openings.
In a previous property we had a similar issue, I had a bricky use a hellfix kit I picked up from Screwfix when it was on offer. (It often is).
The kit was pretty good all the bits needed included. I also had a few bricks replaced then a re-point. No further issues in the three/four years we were in the property.
Our work was conducted after a full structural survey which concluded as per the above poster. I'm sure better qualified PHers will be along to advise on that though.
In a previous property we had a similar issue, I had a bricky use a hellfix kit I picked up from Screwfix when it was on offer. (It often is).
The kit was pretty good all the bits needed included. I also had a few bricks replaced then a re-point. No further issues in the three/four years we were in the property.
Our work was conducted after a full structural survey which concluded as per the above poster. I'm sure better qualified PHers will be along to advise on that though.
Thanks, all seems quite logical. Thanks for the kit - I qill keep an eye out and try and get it on offer, then when the weather improves get a bricky to use + change a few bricks. No water penetration probs at the moment (that I know of!) - I know the wall is a bit poor but don't want to end up rebuilding the whole thing!
CoolHands said:
I know the wall is a bit poor but don't want to end up rebuilding the whole thing!
Just an observation re the half bricks, I wouldn't imagine rebuilding it would be necessary. Charmless man said:
I'm sure better qualified PHers will be along to advise on that though.
Just re-read this, sounds a but rude, I was referring to people being better qualified than me, not the previous posters!
(the way the original and new bricks line up).
Hi had a quote from a brickie of £450 to rake out for helibars, supply and fit bars plus resin, replace 6 or 7 bricks and repoint approx 1m below window. This is a quote from the two pictures of the crack (haven't had him round) so could get him to look at rest of wall while here and cost go up a bit depending on what else he sees.
Whaddya reckon seem reasonable?
Whaddya reckon seem reasonable?
Update
Can anyone advise me - we've started decorating inside and noticed the crack goes along toilet ceiling, down to doorframe, then continues across hallway ceiling. I've had a quote from a chartered structural engineer to inspect and write a report etc for £480 inclusive.
That is quite a lot of money for us - so my question is do you think it's needed? Or should I just fill and decorate?! The cracks aren't that bad, haven't suddenly opened up or anything, but have obviously appeared over time - I think gradually over the last 7 years. I just can't afford to waste the money if there's nothing much to worry about.
We are in Edgware, outer london so I think the soil is clay if it makes a difference.
I know the pictures aren't that obvious but it's easier to see in real life if you know what I mean.
Can anyone advise me - we've started decorating inside and noticed the crack goes along toilet ceiling, down to doorframe, then continues across hallway ceiling. I've had a quote from a chartered structural engineer to inspect and write a report etc for £480 inclusive.
That is quite a lot of money for us - so my question is do you think it's needed? Or should I just fill and decorate?! The cracks aren't that bad, haven't suddenly opened up or anything, but have obviously appeared over time - I think gradually over the last 7 years. I just can't afford to waste the money if there's nothing much to worry about.
We are in Edgware, outer london so I think the soil is clay if it makes a difference.
I know the pictures aren't that obvious but it's easier to see in real life if you know what I mean.
Edited by CoolHands on Monday 24th August 10:05
Are the cracks not relating to the doorway that they appear to be above? They look the same as many you see where a wooden window or door frame have been removed and replaced with a UPVC one without installing a lintel. If it is then fitting one above the door to both the internal and external brick/blockwork should prevent future re-occurrence of the cracks.
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