Wall Cracks in your Property
Learn more about interior and exterior cracks in your walls, and what this means if you’re selling or purchasing a property in London.
Wall cracks are common and can appear at any time in your property. But how do you know when to be concerned about a cracked wall? Although some cracks are harmless, others can be an indication of serious structural damage to your property which, if left unfixed, can result in costly repairs. Our qualified team of RICS Chartered Surveyors here at Crest are ready to help.
If you’re looking to buy a property, and you’re concerned about any cracks that you’ve seen during your initial visits or in any photos, then you will need a survey to investigate the problem. A Level 2 Survey by one of our qualified RICS surveyors is recommended to investigate issues relating to internal or external wall cracks, as we will be able to investigate the most likely cause for the issue, provide guidance on how the cracks can be repaired and provide a likely estimate of the cost of repairs.
Structural and non-structural cracks
Structural issues are the most concerning types of cracks in a property. They are usually diagonal and take the shape of a staircase (jagged). If you live in a new build, these types of cracks are likely to appear as the ground settles, and will most likely not affect the overall value of your home. The biggest indicators of larger structural issues are shown through diagonal cracks that are: found above door frames, can show natural sunlight through them, deep in appearance, or wider than 5mm.
Hairline cracks
Hairline cracks are the most common types of cracks found within a property. Houses are prone to natural movements, which can result in small, hair-like cracks within the plaster of the walls. This is especially true if you’ve recently purchased a new-build property, as it takes time for the structure to fully settle. Luckily, hairline cracks are able to be fully repaired with low cost techniques.
What is subsidence?
If you’re purchasing a new property, it’s important to know exactly what condition the building is in for your own financial security. That is why our surveyors will inspect the property for subsidence.
Subsidence is the term used to describe the ground underneath your property sinking, which ultimately damaged the foundations of your house. This can leave your home unbalanced, and move the main structural details of your house, such as your windows, doors and windows. One of the key indicators for subsidence lies with the types of cracks that can be found within the property.
We will also inspect if the property you’re looking to purchase has previously been repaired for subsidence. Knowing these details can help you to learn more about the history of the house, and protect you from any costly future repairs.
How Crest Chartered Surveyors can help
If you’re looking to purchase a property in London, or you’re concerned about any apparent cracks in your property, then having an inspection is essential to provide you with peace of mind and security in your purchase. Our team of RICS qualified surveyors are here to help. Simply get in touch to learn more.