Is that crack a defect? Measuring movement in a Deanside home
How crack width, location and pattern decide whether cracking is within tolerance.
In short: Not every crack is a defect. Measured properly, most can be classed quickly.
Width matters
The Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015 sets acceptable crack widths depending on location. We measure them rather than guessing.
Pattern matters more
Diagonal cracks from window and door corners usually point to movement in the ground. Straight vertical cracks may be shrinkage or a missing articulation joint.
Moisture is usually involved
On reactive clay, uneven wetting and drying drives movement. Leaks, poor drainage and gardens against the slab make it worse.
What the report says
Each crack is located, measured, categorised and given a likely cause, with the standard it is measured against.
When an engineer is needed
Wide or growing cracks, or cracks in several places, need a structural engineer to assess the footings.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Deanside. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
