There are some unpleasant sights which can create general concern among the home owners and wall cracks are surely one of them. During property inspections in Officer, we often see wall cracks here and there. Where some cracks are minor and can be easily fixed, others can be more serious – an indication of underlying problems in structural integrity or compromised foundations.

Here in this blog, we will discuss about various kind of wall cracks and how crucial they are – whether to be concerned or not.

Types Of Wall Cracks

• Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks are generally common in the newly plastered surfaces. Most often, it appears when the plaster gets dried up and settles down. These types of cracks are quite common in the newly built properties. If you see this sort of cracks in your house, you should not start an ‘immediate filling’ or repainting. It is recommended that you should wait until the full plaster work dries. This sort of cracks is usually not a great issue of concern, but if it gets bigger than 25mm, it can indicate more serious underlying issue which should be addressed at once.

• Multiple-Large Cracks

During house inspections in Officer, we often come across this type of large cracks which are generally of hairline shape and horizontal in nature. These are generally not an issue to concern. But if you notice several significant cracks generally of large shape (whether vertical or horizontal), it can be an issue worth ‘investigation’. Larger cracks wider than 5mm should always be inspected by professional building inspector.

• Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal shaped cracks which more often resembles a ‘staircase’ pattern on your walls should not be taken casually. These cracks quite often derive from structural movement and may indicate some major problems underneath. If you find out this kind of cracks in the wall, you should immediately conduct a building inspection in Officer by an expert.

• Doors and Windows Cracks

Difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows are usually an indication of foundation issues. Moreover, hairline cracks around these openings may signal problems which requires your remediation.

Common Causes Of Cracks In Walls

Here are some common reasons which create cracks in the walls.

• Construction and Earthworks

If there is a construction work or heavy earthworks (road construction or extension) causing ground vibration going on near your house for a significant amount of time, it can lead to cracks in walls.

• Seismic Activities

If your house is in the areas prone to seismic activity like earthquakes, it can cause substantial structural movement and result in visible wall cracks.

• Soil Types

Some soil types are also responsible for cracks in the walls. Clay soil often dries and shrinks in winter and expands in the rainy seasons. Properties which are built on this reactive soil have a tendency of substantial movement and can subsequently lead to cracks in the walls.

• Environmental Factors

Extreme change in the climate is another reason for wall cracks. For example, after a prolonged period of drought, if there is heavy rainfall, it can cause clay soil to shrink and expand. This can put pressure on the foundation of the structure and lead to cracking.

• Structural Issues and Poor Maintenance

Improperly constructed buildings or settled foundations over the time can create shift in the structure. This can lead to visible cracks in the foundation. Minor settling can be common, but significant settlement can weaken the integrity of the property and lead to wall cracking.

Besides, faulty building materials, poor footings or flawed construction practises can also be the reasons for wall cracks.

• Water Damage

During house inspections in Officer, it is often seen that there is stagnant water around the foundation of the house from different sources like clogged gutters, garden sprinklers, or leaking pipes. It can gradually moist the inner part of the walls and create cracks in the walls. Moreover, if it remains unattended for a long time, this can even erode the soil.

• Impact of Tree

Trees planted too close to the external walls of the property can put pressure on the foundation of the house. As the tree continues to grow, the root expands beneath the surface and can crack the foundation. If not checked the cracks in the foundation can expand to the inner walls of the house. Sometimes, uprooting large trees from the proximity of your home can also create hallow beneath the surface and cause settlement in the foundation leading to cracks.

Contact Casey Building Consultants Today

Wall cracks created by any of the above-mentioned reasons should not be ignored. It can be a sign of decaying property and pose significant safety risks. That’s why if you see any form of cracks in the walls, it is advisable that you call in an independent building inspector and conduct property inspection for your Officer homes and know their opinion over the condition of your property. This small step can save you from costly repairs in future and give you the peace of mind you deserve with your property.