How to deal with cracks in walls and building structural

Are you concerned about gaps in the walls of your old house? It is critical for preserving any site, but especially a period home, to detect signs of structural problems. These are just some of the things that can lead to structural problems in building: overgrown trees and shrubs, cracked drains, leaking rainwater products, missing roof tiles. If left unchecked, this will entail expensive repairs and could even cause structural problems such as subsidence and movement that sound more frightening.

Prevention is essential, so keep on top of external maintenance (use our guide to learn how), but if you think the damage has already been done, there is almost always a solution for structural problems.

Why Would Your House Have  Structural Problems?

Although some movement is inevitable in an old building, cracks in the plasterwork or brickwork should not be overlooked, nor should the maintenance issues that cause them. Nonetheless, it is worth remembering that traditional buildings were built with lime and other materials, enabling the structure to be slightly changed.

Other causes of movement may be that a structural function has failed or that changes have been made that were not adequately considered. Inadequate assistance during the work may have jeopardised the system or introduced loading or friction where none previously existed. It should also be able to recall previous mine operations and springs. If in doubt, consult a structural engineer who specialises in buildings of your age and style. Where severe issues are apparent, the building can need to be temporarily propped up, but this can only be achieved by experts.

HOW TO SPOT STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

• Cracks and bulges appearing in walls both internally and externally. In new work cracks may occur due to shrinkage during drying; they are common after central heating has first been installed.

• Doors and windows that bind can indicate structural movement but the problem may be due to damp weather.

• Tapered cracks running diagonally from the corner of doors or windows. Movement tends to show here – as openings in walls are weak points.

• Cracked render or plaster around the top of a window might mean that the bearing end of a timber lintel is rotten.

• Cracks between a bay window and the building indicate that the bay window isn’t tied correctly to the structure.

• Sloping floors could point to subsidence or other structural problems.

Consider the following scenario: structural problems are suspected, and a hairline crack is apparent. In that situation, it is important to monitor the problem over time to assess its magnitude and whether the movement is still active. If the crack continues to grow, make a pencil mark where the trial ends, date it, and repeat the procedure on a regular basis. Check to see if the crack opens and closes with the seasons. Take note that larger cracks of 5 mm or wider should be examined by a professional on a regular basis. Until being concerned, look for signs that it might be benign. Finding cracks that have been repointed but have not opened up again, for example, is reassuring because it indicates that movement has ceased.

When structural damage has occurred, always try to retain the structure’s integrity through careful repairs rather than rebuilding. If walls have cracked and repairs are necessary, traditional lime mortars, renders and plasters should be used to allow breathability and a degree of movement.