busted lintels?

[rhinosaw]

I live in a block of flats built about 40 years ago. During the summer just gone some cracks have appeared in the communal area hallway above the windows. I have enclosed two pictures one on the first floor (image 001) and one on the second floor directly above it. (image 002

)
The management company called a surveyor out and although I haven't seen the report yet he has indicated the lintels have failed.
Just wondered if that was likely, I asked a builder a few days ago (he was doing some work for someone in the flats) and he thought it nothing to worry about. just wondered what the pros on here felt, thanks

 

[^woody^]

Lintels don't tend to fail. That looks like some other movement.

Should have used a structural engineer not a surveyor. That might not be within a normal surveyor's field of expertise.

 

[rhinosaw]

Thanks Woody
Should have said that the crack doesn't appear on the outside of the building

 

[^woody^]

There are several factors and the construction and location to consider. But lintel issues would not tend to produce cracks in ceilings perpendicular to the lintel.

 

[rhinosaw]

update
had a survey done, report says no obvious signs of subsidence, probably caused by localised ground movement.
He is suggesting crack stitching, this is bearing in mind there are no obvious cracks on the outside wall, only inside as per pictures.

any thoughts or comments, thank you

 

[^woody^]

Before recommending a repair, the surveyor should be certain that the actual cause has been rectified and won't reoccur.

ie what has caused the stated "localised ground movement", and how will that be dealt with?

BTW, localised ground movement is subsidence if it's downwards!