Subsidence? Cracks & general repointing help

[house76]

Ok - my elderly neighbour is convinced cracks inside in his house is due to subsidence. He is waiting some insurance inspection.

These houses were built 1880ish. We are not joined but separated by a sidelane.

Anyway - he’s pointed at the cracks in my gable and keeps going on about it. Although nothing really catches my eye.

Inside I have some hairline cracks in my living room ceiling. But not sure they are that bad?! Plus not sure when the started appearing really if I am honest. Room repainted 2016.

No signs of other cracks in house.

The gable has been well pointed by previous owner and maybe needs to TLC but I am obviously freaked out about possible subsidence.

I could phone my insurer but looking for advice here first. As don’t want to mention the S word.

My neighbour can be quite dramatic and has lived in the street since the year dot. Remember when ...... subsidence in the whole street vibe. But surely cracks in 1880 houses are just a normal thing.

What do you suggest I do or look out for?

I have contacted stone mason to get advice on repointing and also get my gutters cleaned.


any thoughts? Appreciated your input.

 

[^woody^]

But surely cracks in 1880 houses are just a normal thing.

Not after 140 years it's not.

 

[house76]

so what do you think I should do now/next?

 

[^woody^]

Its a bit confusing as to what is yours and what is the neighbour's, and what his cracking has got to do with yours.

What are those external photo's showing? Cracks or just a general view.

Cracking is stone houses can have different reasons and patterns to normal brick and block walls, but generally cracks in the same place on the inside and outside of walls are not a good sign, but cracks internally only may not be structural, but it can depend on how the wall was built.

If the neighbour has similar cracks in similar places, just wait to see what his insurer says. Otherwise monitor the cracks for a few months as the seasons change.

It's no good pointing until you have identified the cause and whether its ongoing movement or has stopped