How serious are the cracks in my walls?
Most cracks are cosmetic; a minority signal movement that needs investigation. Our assessment reads the pattern, width and location of the cracking you photograph and explains what it is consistent with.
What the assessment covers
- • Crack pattern: vertical, diagonal, stepped through mortar joints, horizontal
- • Width, length and whether the crack passes through openings
- • Location: external masonry, internal plaster, at extensions or bay windows
- • Context that drives movement: trees, clay soils, drainage leaks, recent works
What you send us
- • Close-up photos with a scale reference (a coin or ruler) and wider context shots
- • Photos of the same crack inside and outside where possible
- • When the crack appeared and whether it is growing
- • Property age, soil type if known, nearby trees and any recent building work
What you receive
- • Indicative severity reading aligned with the usual BRE Digest 251 categories
- • Likely causes ranked, with the evidence for each
- • A monitoring plan: what to measure, how often, for how long
- • Whether a structural engineer's site inspection or an insurance claim is warranted
Avertissement légal
Ce document est informatif. Il ne constitue ni une note de calcul, ni un diagnostic réglementaire, ni une validation d'exécution de travaux. Aucun avis produit par la plateforme ne constitue une note de calcul, un diagnostic réglementaire ou une validation d'exécution de travaux. Aucune décision de travaux ne doit être prise sans validation par un professionnel qualifié (architecte, bureau d'études structure, ingénieur).
Frequently asked questions
Is this subsidence?
Diagonal cracking wider at the top, close to an extension or a large tree, is one classic pattern — but so is thermal movement or a failed lintel. A photo assessment narrows the likely causes; confirming subsidence requires monitoring and often trial pits.
Should I tell my insurer?
If the report suggests progressive structural movement, yes. Buildings insurance usually covers subsidence investigation, and delaying a notification can prejudice a claim.