Cracking brickwork above RSJ

[mocarro]

I'm in the process of buying a house and I've noticed some cracked brickwork directly above an RSJ where the kitchen was extended about 3 years ago. I'm still waiting on the survey (level 3), but I'm concerned that the surveyor will bottle it and not give a firm opinion. I'm attaching a photo of the crack as seen through the extension skylight and also a plan (not the most relevant plan, but all I have to hand as the local planning website is down for the weekend) with the location of the cracks circled in blue.

Anyone got an informed view on how concerned I should be?

 

[Notch7]

It’s possible the crack maybe the result of poor RSJ installation - ie acrows over tightened or steel not packed up properly allowing subsequent settling…..and now it’s all stable and just needs local repair.

or not….

Im sure survey will pick it up

 

[RonnyRaygun]

The surveyor will recommend a structural engineer looks at it.

I think Notch is right though - badly packed above the beam, slight movement at the bearings, or slight deflection of the beam following installation.

 

[^woody^]

Your surveyor won't be able to comment on things outside of his expertise. So if he is not qualified in structures, he will just recommend a further report by a structural engineer.

You should be concerned until told not to be by a suitable person.

 

[mocarro]

Thanks everyone. Will update when I know more.

 

[mocarro]

Following up for anyone interested. The surveyor said it wasn't a sign of a great job done, but it also was not a structural concern in his opinion. Expanding on that he said about 90% of the extensions to Victorian properties that he's seen have presented similar settling cracks. His advice was to repoint/fill and then keep an eye on it.

 

[tony1851]

Cracking above the level of the beam is not usually serious; cracking below the level of the beam is when you need to be concerned.