Conservatory falling away from house, help!!

[Ryangti]

Hello,

First post but I have read through a lot of post relating to this subject. I have recently moved into my first home and with the recent storms etc noticed the gutters were blocked. When cleaning out the gutters I noticed something much worse, there is a vertical crack where the conservatory joins the house between 5-8mm, I can see straight through in parts where it has cracked the plaster on the other side.

Taking advice from other posts I've set up a measurement to check its not getting worse but I fear I am already past that stage. Could someone advise what my options are? Is it best to claim on the house insurance or get someone local to come have a look?

Thanks in advance

 

[noseall]

Is that bottom image showing a corner joint failure on the UPVC window, due to the stresses exerted on it?

Don't be too surprised that a connie foundation has failed. I've seen some horrific excuses for foundations carried out by connie 'experts'.

 

[^woody^]

That may well be some normal contraction movement, rather than foundation movement. It's also not uncommon for extensions and conservatories to suddenly move after many years, due to a dry or wet few weeks.

You really need to monitor it over at least four seasons to see if it's moving outwards, moving back and fourth or up/downwards ... or not moving at all.

Fill the gap for now with some compressible foam, and silicon mastic on the external to keep rain out. And caulk internal.

It may not be in your best interests to notify your insurers about this just yet.

Have a glance around the main house external walls to see if there are any similar cracks. If not I would not be too concerned at this stage.