Lintel inspection??

[80sman]

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed some cracking in the outside brick wall of my house.

This took the form of diagonal cracks through the mortar only above the lounge window and another vertical crack below the window.

I phoned the insurance company who have then assigned a structural surveyor to come out and have a look at the house.

I'm a little confused by his report. Can you help?


Description of Damage.

The claim relates to the following.
Externally there is a 1mm vertical crack in the front elevation below the front window.
Externally above the windows to the front and rear there are tapering cracks being approx 2mm in width.
Internally there is a 1mm vertical crack in the plasterboards to the front elevation.

Cause

The pattern of cracking in not indicative of subsidence. It is concluded that the damage is due to thermal movement and wear and tear.

Measures
We would recommend that the lintels are inspected and repaired as necessary. The cracks should be filled and repaired as a matter of routine maintenance.



The house was built in 1985, it's a red brick house typical of that time. I've not heard of a lintel inspection before, how would this be achieved? What's involved?

Thanks

 

[nottsrob184]

Hi .
From what you say that the crack is only in the mortar its sounds like normal settlement. Cracking in plaster internally and sometimes externally in mortar are pretty common. Have the cracks got bigger recently or have they been there a while with no deteriation.?

If cracks were in the bricks it would be more serious.

A mate of mine had this and had a guy point them up for £100. (cut back and blend in to surrounding area to make it not too obvious).
You can do it yourself but its a skill to get it pointed to match the existing mortar colour and not get cement allover the brick face which will give you a big headache.
Anyone else got any thiughts?....

 

[Static]

The house was built in 1985, it's a red brick house typical of that time. I've not heard of a lintel inspection before, how would this be achieved? What's involved?

I think what they are refering to is knocking some of the plaster off the inner face of the lintel and inspecting it for failures..

 

[80sman]

Thanks for the replies,

Static is this a common inspection, can I just get into contact with a builder and have them do it or does it need a specialist?


Thanks

 

[Static]

Thanks for the replies,

Static is this a common inspection, can I just get into contact with a builder and have them do it or does it need a specialist?


Thanks

Its nothing a good builder shouldn't be able to do.. no need for specialists..