Chimney/ wall crack

[Beansbaked]

Hi sorry to be a bother again so soon. I posted last week about a chimney I was worried about that was leaning. Since then I’ve noticed these cracks on the wall, the same end of the house the chimney is leaning. I’ve spoken to 4 different builders and have had different answers. One said don’t worry it’s normal with age just get it re pointed and keep an eye on it. 2 have said either re build the chimney or take it down completely and the last today is saying I might need a structural engineer and steel beams put in the loft. Ive absolutely no idea what to do. Any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Hi sorry to be a bother again so soon. I posted last week about a chimney I was worried about that was leaning. Since then I’ve noticed these cracks on the wall, the same end of the house the chimney is leaning.

It is absolutely fine, but is in need of a little repointing, where the pointing has failed.

 

[ree]

OP,
Why not post a larger context pic showing exactly where the stepped crack is located?

 

[Beansbaked]

Thanks for the replies. The crack is here on the wall

 

[ree]

OP,
There's possibly been a little previous Remedial work in that area:
1. Re-pointing has taken place.
2. Doubtful but theres a sploge of mortar that might indicate where a remedial cavity tie was inserted although remedial cav ties should go through the brick not the mortar.
3. Also doubtful but It could be where CWI was blown in - although there are no other signs of CWI holes?
Do you have CWI?

As a precaution why not examine the interior walls & ceiling in that area - & go into the loft above, and look for anything unusual.
Otherwise rake out 25mm the cracked area, & point up with 3:1 sand & NH lime mortar.

 

[Beansbaked]

Thank you for your reply. By CWI do you mean cavity wall insulation? I seem to remember something being said about that being done when I was younger, possibly when new loft insulation went in but can’t be sure.

Ceiling there looks ok from what I can tell, The wall is wallpapered but I can take that off and see what’s behind it. I think I may have to ask a builder to go have a look in the loft, I don’t really know what I’m looking for and hubby isn’t concerned at all, thinks I’m overthinking

 

[Beansbaked]

Another builder came yesterday, said the same as the first, the chimney is fine probably just age and the cracks in the house are nothing to worry about just get them re pointed, the gutter bracket is just above it and the gutter is leaking so that could have ran down the wall and over time caused it to crack? He said nothing would have shifted in the loft to cause it. I have got a friend who has some building experience who is offering to go up in the loft and have a good look in the week just to make sure.

The sploge of mortar that you mentioned, there’s one every 3 bricks at the same level on our house and next doors, would that be for cavity wall insulation?