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My house is two years old and in the first year I have cracks that have appeared. They are vertical and start from the beams that support the roof almost to the bottom and at the window sills. What does it take and is it dangerous?

It should be known if you made reservations at the reception or during the first year after it (perfect completion). If this is not the case, you have entered the framework of the ten-year guarantee, if these disorders are likely to compromise the dwelling of your house, and therefore, if they are "dangerous", which is possible.

It seems that the beams have "worked" and caused these cracks. Get in touch with the contractor who did the work. Do not hesitate to play your Damage Work insurance (hoping that you have subscribed) for a possible takeover of the work. The expert commissioned by the insurance can tell you if he considers that these disorders are in the decennial and prescribe the consolidation work to undertake. Do not stop at a possible negative opinion telling you that these disorders are only aesthetic. Commit yourself your own expert.

In the meantime, monitor the evolution of cracks using plaster controls for 6 months to determine if they are stable or evolving. If they are not scalable you will have to recap to prevent moisture infiltration.

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External cracks on a house that is two years old

FAQ - 💬

❓ When should I be concerned about cracks in exterior walls?

👉 Unfortunately, cracking in your walls and ceilings may also be the result of damage to your foundation. If you're seeing large cracks that are more than a quarter-inch wide or other signs that have you concerned about your foundation, it's definitely time to have your home checked.

❓ What causes cracking in external walls?

👉 Different types of exterior wall cracks But more often than not, they happen because of natural expansion and contraction from the changing temperature and weather conditions around them. Another type of crack you might find are those in the brickwork. If you live in an older building, these are relatively normal.

❓ How can you tell if a crack is structural?

👉 As the name suggests, structural cracks occur because of poor construction sites, overloading or poor soil bearing....Telltale signs of structural cracks in your foundation are:

  1. Stair-step cracks.
  2. Cracks on foundation slabs or beams.
  3. Vertical cracks that are wide at the bottom or top.
  4. Cracks measuring 1/8″ in width.

❓ How do you know if a foundation crack is serious?

👉 When to worry

  1. Cracks that are wider than 1/10 inch.
  2. Cracks that are wider at one end.
  3. Cracks that are getting bigger over time.
  4. Stair step cracks in brickwork.
  5. Horizontal foundation cracks, with or without bowing.
  6. Several vertical cracks near each other.
  7. Big, diagonal cracks.
  8. Cracks that go across the ceiling and down a wall.

❓ Are cracks on outside of house normal?

👉 Any cracks that are on an exterior wall should always be investigated as it may be a sign of structural issues. They can also be an entry point for water which will cause damp problems further down the line.

❓ What cracks should I worry about?

👉 Typically, wider cracks signify more serious issues than thinner cracks. Cracks less than 1/8-inch thick are considered stress cracks and are harmless, while cracks 1/4-inch wide and larger are often more serious. Inspect the position of the crack after measuring its width.

❓ What do cracks on outside of house mean?

👉 Stair-step cracks in your exterior brick wall generally mean that your house foundation is settling and sinking into the ground. Other signs like cracks in the drywall, doors or windows that are starting to warp, or floors that are inclined to slopes, warrant a closer look.

❓ Can a house collapse from cracks?

👉 The answer is yes, however, it is also not that simple. It can take years to develop a serious foundational issue that would cause your home to collapse. In most cases, if it does, it's concentrated on a specific area of the home.

❓ What do settlement cracks look like?

👉 Settlement cracks in walls can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal and in floors they aren't necessarily straight. They can vary in width but, if crack widths are less than 2mm wide, they are unlikely to affect the structural stability of your home.

❓ When should you walk away from foundation issues?

👉 Horizontal or diagonal cracks measuring more than 1/4 of an inch is a good reason to walk away.

❓ How do you tell if your house is poorly built?

👉 Check for flooring issues such as: tile cracks; uneven wood floor boards or widening cracks between boards; water stains in carpeting or other flooring at the base of windows, doors, or showers; and discolored or curling linoleum.

❓ What is the problem with cracks in my house?

👉 The problem with cracks is that understanding them only comes with experience. There are many causes of cracks (technically we could call them ‘structural failure’), and many times a crack can be caused for multiple reasons meaning there are almost endless permutations of causes!

❓ What is a Grade 1 crack in a house?

👉 1 - Fine cracks of up to 1mm. 2 - Crack widths up to 5mm. 3 - Crack widths of 5 to 15mm (or several of e.g. 3mm). 4 - Extensive damage, cracks 15 to 25mm. 5 - Structural damage, cracks greater than 25mm. In general, categories 0, 1, and 2 with crack widths up to 5mm can be regarded as ‘aesthetic’ issues that require only redecoration.

❓ Should you be worried about cracks in walls?

👉 When this happens, cracks can appear in drywall, plaster or concrete. In most cases, these cracks are nothing to worry about. In others, however, they could be a sign of structural issues that need fixing quickly. What cracks in walls might mean? You are likely to see most cracks in walls when they first appear.

❓ What does a crack in the wall mean in a house?

👉 A crack that allows daylight to come into your home could be a concern. This is because it means the whole wall has shifted and not just on one side. Usually, a crack will appear on an external wall but cannot be seen inside, and vice versa. However, one large crack that appears to go through the whole house can be a sign of subsidence.


Video Instruction: Foundation Cracks and Signs of Structural Failure | Ask the Expert | Leader Basement Systems