Crack around bay window

[Jeffmc]

Hi,

Repointing around a bay window that had a rather bad crack in the plaster upstairs. The windows were replaced 2 years ago. Cracks in upstairs bay pic 1,2. I've put steel and resin in Both sides of the bay to support it and repainted them but the home owner has noticed a small hair line crack on the bottom bay pics 3,4. Really small please zoom in on the 4th photo. Travels at right angles from side and again to middle of pay. Should I be worried? Was planning on pointing the upper front bay (both sides have been done) maybe should prop it . Any help appreciated

 

[Jeffmc]

Here's the bay. Also repointed full side of the property and the lower bay

 

[Nozzle]

It's because UPVC windows have been fitted. The timber ones that were taken out were structural, and they've been replaced with plastic which is not.. The company that did it should have told you (or they chose not to)

Nozzle

 

[Jeffmc]

It's because UPVC windows have been fitted. The timber ones that were taken out were structural, and they've been replaced with plastic which is not.. The company that did it should have told you (or they chose not to)

Nozzle

The previous were plastic. These I believe are reinforced, but suspect weren't supported properly when removed. Just concerned about the hairline cracks on the lower,

 

[Jeffmc]

What I don't understand is why would the lower bay develop a crack caused by repointing? The top can understand but not the lower. And should I go ahead and point the front of the upper bay without propping it

Cheers Jeff

 

[Jeffmc]

Bump

 

[catlad]

Have you showed these photo's to the window company?

 

[Nozzle]

Have you showed these photo's to the window company?

If the previous windows were also plastic then the failure has been going on for a good few years. Most recent window company not really liable, I'd say.

Nozzle

 

[^woody^]

You can't just point a crack up if the bay is still moving or will move.

The cause needs to be diagnosed and then a proper repair devised based on that.

If the bond to the main house has broken, as it has, then propping alone won't help.
If the bay has cracked at ground floor level, then foundation movement must be suspected.

 

[Jeffmc]

You can't just point a crack up if the bay is still moving or will move.

The cause needs to be diagnosed and then a proper repair devised based on that.

If the bond to the main house has broken, as it has, then propping alone won't help.
If the bay has cracked at ground floor level, then foundation movement must be suspected.

From I've been told the upper bay moved after the windows were replaced 2-3 years ago. The bays aren't tied to the house and the lower bay hasn't moved. Suspect the upper window/bay wasn't supported correctly when replaced. The windows open and close fine.

I've used heli bars (3 either side) and resin on the upper to support the brick. this isn't a permanent fix but hoping it might be. Just curious as to why the lower bay plastering in the pics above would crack from repointing.