Vertical crack in brick work between upstairs and downstairs windows

[jakeB123]

Hi,

I've notice a crack between the upstairs and downstairs window on my house.

I've checked externally all round the house and no other cracks are visible.

No signs of cracking internally.

I've monitored this for 6 months and it hasn't got any bigger or wider.

The house is 4/5years old and does have a 10 year warranty. Not sure if they would say its significant enough to be covered?

Is this something i should be concerned about? If so what is the solution

Thanks in advance.

 

[jakeB123]

@^woody^ is this something you could take a look at please. I've seen you comment on similar cases

 

[stuart45]

Could be a thermal crack.

 

[jakeB123]

Could be a thermal crack.

I did think that from reading online, i assume that is the best case and not to worry about? Ive read getting it filled may be the best option.

 

[stuart45]

Worth filling to stop moisture getting in and freezing.

 

[^woody^]

Yes, all the signs that it's a thermal crack. Normally, these are once only and don't get any worse, and is not a structural issue.

The standard advice is to fill as stuart says, but I'm not sure its worth it, or that freezing does actually have any impact. I recall writing a big list of reasons why thought the standard advice was pointless, but the main reason is that you end up with a horrible line of different mortar, different bricks, and if you are unlucky different bricks smudged with different mortar. Even a silicone mastic on the face won't stop water getting in around it.

You could put the NHBC on notice by just reporting and recording it with them. And get it reassessed when the warranty is about to end.

Any repair really needs to be carefully and skilfully done, and I don't think its worth it for such a hairline crack.

 

[stuart45]

I've heard another theory about not pointing in cracks in mortar, because the brickwork can't return back and just opens up more, so maybe leaving it is the best advice.

 

[^woody^]

Yes, I think I need to ® my idea and plan for retirement.