BUILDING PROBLEMS - STRUCTURAL CRACKING
STRUCTURAL CRACKS
Cracks in brickwork and cracks in concrete are usually building construction defects. Most are structural cracks and can be a result of engineering design, DIY lack of expertise, defective building practices or builder mismanagement. How to repair cracks will depend entirely on where the crack is located, type of soils, proximity of trees and the weather. Drought conditions can be a major factor. Your real estate investment will be devalued if the defect is structural and require structural repairs.
BUILDING CONSULTANT INSPECTIONS
Where cracks have occurred, then a building inspection by an experienced building consultant, or building surveyor, will be required. The inspection will check the building construction type and contributing factors for these cracks appearing. Below are some photos of properties we have inspected showing cracking in brickwork and walls.
 
 
PROBLEMS DUE TO CRACKING
There are engineering and standard building tolerances where most minor cracks may not be defects. Cracks can also appear where renovations or additions have occurred. Bathroom and kitchens can be more of a concern with damage to tiles, walls, and floors and may result in leaking showers. An example of a cracked wall in a bathroom is below.
 
MAJOR CRACKS
Where major structural cracks are evident, then a building consultant, or surveyor, will refer to an experienced structural engineer for engineering designs. This often involves structural underpinning but may also involve other building alternatives. The cost and type of repairs will depend entirely on each defect that is inspected.
Related Building Problem Articles
Further information on spalling of concrete (concrete cancer), defects in building practices and salt deterioration in buildings can be found in previous newsletters.
For a building inspection report contact:
David Hall Building Appraisals Pty Limited
Telephone +61 2 9418 7750
FAX +61 2 9418 7510
Suite 21, Level 1,
105 Longueville Road,
Lane Cove, NSW 2066
Email d.hall@buildreport.com.au
Copyright
© 2009 David Hall Building Appraisals. All rights reserved.
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