Cracks in Walls – Who Should I Call?
Cracks in walls are common, but their cause is not always obvious. Some are minor and cosmetic, while others may justify professional investigation. The important first step is knowing who is best placed to assess the problem.
Ask About Your Wall CracksNot Every Crack Means the Same Thing
Walls can crack for many reasons, including normal settlement, shrinkage, changes in temperature, movement around openings, alterations to a building or movement within the ground below it.
The position, direction and appearance of a crack can provide useful clues, but it is rarely sensible to diagnose a structural problem from appearance alone.
If you are unsure, the key question is often not "How do I repair the crack?" but "Who should assess why it has happened?"
What Does the Crack Look Like?
Hairline Cracks
Fine cracks can occur in plaster or finishes as materials dry, shrink or move slightly. They are often less concerning than substantial or rapidly changing cracks, but context still matters.
Stepped Cracks in Brickwork
Cracks following the mortar joints in a step-like pattern may be associated with movement in masonry. Their cause can vary and may warrant professional assessment, particularly if they are widening.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks can occur for several reasons, including movement between materials, shrinkage, settlement or changes around extensions and alterations.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracking can sometimes indicate pressure or movement affecting a wall. Where significant, recurring or accompanied by bulging, professional investigation is sensible.
Cracks Above Windows or Doors
Cracking around openings may involve local movement, lintels, masonry or other parts of the structure. The underlying cause should be understood before simply filling the crack.
Cracks Where an Extension Joins the House
Different parts of a building can move differently. Cracking at the junction between an extension and the original property may need investigation if it is persistent or becoming more pronounced.
Some Signs Deserve a Closer Look
A single crack does not automatically mean a serious structural problem. However, certain combinations of symptoms can make professional assessment more important.
If you are worried about the stability of a wall or building, avoid relying on an online diagnosis and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
Builder, Surveyor, Structural Engineer or Repair Specialist?
The right person depends on whether you already know the cause and what stage the problem has reached.
Structural Engineer
A structural engineer may be appropriate where cracking appears significant, movement is suspected or you need an independent assessment of the structure before repair work is planned.
Building Surveyor
A surveyor can help investigate wider property defects where the cracking may be connected with construction, moisture, alterations or other building issues.
Builder
A competent builder may be appropriate where the cause is already understood and straightforward repair work is required. For unexplained or significant movement, diagnosis first can be the better route.
Structural Repair Specialist
Specialist contractors carry out work such as crack stitching, wall reinforcement, restraint systems and other structural masonry repairs where a suitable repair method has been identified.
Should I Get a Structural Engineer Before Calling a Builder?
If the crack is substantial, changing, recurring or accompanied by other signs of movement, obtaining an independent assessment before commissioning repairs can be sensible.
That does not mean every wall crack needs an engineer. Minor plaster cracks and known cosmetic defects may be straightforward. The difficulty is when the cause is uncertain.
If you are unsure whether the job is simply repairing a crack or investigating why the building is moving, consider diagnosis first. Repairing the visible crack without addressing the cause can mean the problem returns.
Why Do Walls Crack?
Not Sure Who You Need for Your Wall Cracks?
Send us a brief description of the cracking, your location and, if useful, photographs through WhatsApp. We'll help point you towards the type of specialist who may be appropriate.