2 1/2 years ago we had a 11m x 2m singe story extension built, but around a year ago I noticed a vertical crack and now there are 2 cracks. The widest is 2m from one end of the extension wall and the lesser crack is 3m from the other end. The extension is split into 2 rooms - 9m x 2m + 2m x 2m. I enclose 3 photos, the battery is an AA size next to the widest crack for scale purposes.
I have spoken to the builder about this matter but he said it was my fault for painting the walls too soon after the build was completed.
I was thinking of filling the cracks and painting, but a friend has told me the crack would just come back. He is a very good DIYer and got me to take the pictures I have posted. He pointed out that outside there is a 'movement joint' halfway along the brick wall that has come apart slightly at the top, and he suspects there are 2 more movement joints on the inside leaf of the wall which are made from grey blocks.
He went onto say the grey blocks have probably shrunk and the 1st movement joint perhaps should have been incorporated at the extension internal wall junction and the 2nd joint disguised by a dummy structure on the wall and ceiling half way along the 9m run of the longer extension room.
He did remind me however that he is not a builder but suggested I ask for opinions on this forum.
So can I mend this with DIY and is it all my fault as my builder has stated?
Or is my friend right and can I DIY a fix in that case?
I have spoken to the builder about this matter but he said it was my fault for painting the walls too soon after the build was completed.
I was thinking of filling the cracks and painting, but a friend has told me the crack would just come back. He is a very good DIYer and got me to take the pictures I have posted. He pointed out that outside there is a 'movement joint' halfway along the brick wall that has come apart slightly at the top, and he suspects there are 2 more movement joints on the inside leaf of the wall which are made from grey blocks.
He went onto say the grey blocks have probably shrunk and the 1st movement joint perhaps should have been incorporated at the extension internal wall junction and the 2nd joint disguised by a dummy structure on the wall and ceiling half way along the 9m run of the longer extension room.
He did remind me however that he is not a builder but suggested I ask for opinions on this forum.
So can I mend this with DIY and is it all my fault as my builder has stated?
Or is my friend right and can I DIY a fix in that case?