Cracks on outside wall a problem ?

[ExPat2B]

I went to view a property today, I really like it, but on wall has cracks in the mortar running from top of house diagonally down. The crack does break a couple of blocks. Approx width is 1 to 2 mm. How much of a problem is this, should it put me off ?

[trickywoo]

Looks more like mortar drying cracks rather than anything structural.

[James-gbg1e]

No, that's not something I'd be concerned about.

Context would also help though, how old is the property? The pointing looks pretty recent.

[ExPat2B]

It's a 1986 property. There is a second set on the same corner on the diagonal . It looks like the porch is sunk slightly

[Sheets Tabuer]

Doesn't look like subsidence to me, more like drying cracks.

Luckily you've not bought it yet so can get a professional opinion but I wouldn't be worried by that at this stage.

[TA14]

Sheets Tabuer said:

Doesn't look like subsidence to me, more like drying cracks.

Luckily you've not bought it yet so can get a professional opinion but I wouldn't be worried by that at this stage.

They are a classic settlement type crack.

Hard to say on the internet how serious it is. Seems slight now. If it's gradual movement from 1986 then I wouldn't be worried.

Why has it happened? Porches (and bays) often have shallower foundations, could be a recent change (drain defect, trees, neighbouring work, etc.)

Probably best to have a SE look on site.

[119]

Judging by the different mortar colours, someone has already repointed it.

Probably lack of lintel above the meter box?