This has developed over years in a house I used to rent out. I’m moving back in and getting it right. Noticed these crack is or just list mortar or something more sinister? It’s a traditional muds 2920s semidetached. There are now crack on the inside of the upstairs bedroom wall.
Is this a sign subsidence?
- Thread starter Cat007077
- Start date
You need to send one or two pics from further back so that we can see the context.
Maybe the opposite to subsidence? Perhaps the expansion on the failed concrete sill has pushed the window and some of the masonry upwards?
We'll make an engineer of you yet!
It could be long-term movement of the arch pushing out on the abutment. The bit of wall on the left of the doorway is very narrow (one, or one-and-a-half bricks wide?) and would not normally be regarded as OK to support the sideways thrust of the arch.
OP,
Its not subsidence neither will it affect any other property.
I cant see enough clear detail ref the arch & vestibule to comment on them.
The rusting rebar in the sill is expanding - as it expands its forcing the brickwork to move.
Thus: the stepped crack, and the possible pressure loss of pointing below the sill.
The sill needs replacing, & all the other house window sills will need close inspections.
Are there any signs of disturbance on the internal side of the first floor corner surfaces.
Can the FF window open & lock freely?
You've previously had blown CWI - that is now at risk of water penetration.
A couple of pics showing "round the corner" from the stepped crack will show if a patch of gable brickwork has been affected?
The timber bracket is possibly at risk of movement.
An experienced, insured building contractor could do the job - otherwise,it might be time for a SE's visit? But first perhaps pics & info ref this post?
Its not subsidence neither will it affect any other property.
I cant see enough clear detail ref the arch & vestibule to comment on them.
The rusting rebar in the sill is expanding - as it expands its forcing the brickwork to move.
Thus: the stepped crack, and the possible pressure loss of pointing below the sill.
The sill needs replacing, & all the other house window sills will need close inspections.
Are there any signs of disturbance on the internal side of the first floor corner surfaces.
Can the FF window open & lock freely?
You've previously had blown CWI - that is now at risk of water penetration.
A couple of pics showing "round the corner" from the stepped crack will show if a patch of gable brickwork has been affected?
The timber bracket is possibly at risk of movement.
An experienced, insured building contractor could do the job - otherwise,it might be time for a SE's visit? But first perhaps pics & info ref this post?
You're welcome.
You (or a competent builder) should be able to identify what has moved in relation to what with a long spirit level - across the window above the crack and below the window to the left and right (as there are slight signs that the cracking continues diagonally below the window).
Don't worry if nothing is "level", you're looking for what is more "out" than everything else.
Have a look at the gable for leaning above and below the crack and for any general signs of bulging to rule out wall tie failure (unlikely if you have corresponding cracking inside). Check the ground at the base of the wall for signs of damaged/leaking drains.
Hopefully it's the brickwork being pushed up. But either way it doesn't look too bad at the moment. You should get the cill repaired and have the area repointed (you'll probably find a fair bit is loose and will just chisel out). Then just keep an eye on it for telltale cracking - if it does then it's the time to consider a professional inspection; after which you may need to involve your insurer.
Don't worry if nothing is "level", you're looking for what is more "out" than everything else.
Have a look at the gable for leaning above and below the crack and for any general signs of bulging to rule out wall tie failure (unlikely if you have corresponding cracking inside). Check the ground at the base of the wall for signs of damaged/leaking drains.
Hopefully it's the brickwork being pushed up. But either way it doesn't look too bad at the moment. You should get the cill repaired and have the area repointed (you'll probably find a fair bit is loose and will just chisel out). Then just keep an eye on it for telltale cracking - if it does then it's the time to consider a professional inspection; after which you may need to involve your insurer.
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