Stepped Cracks in Brickwork – What Do They Mean?
A crack that follows the mortar joints between bricks in a staircase pattern can be a visible sign of movement within masonry. There are several possible causes, so the important question is whether the cracking is stable or needs further investigation.
Ask About Your Brickwork CracksWhat Is a Stepped Crack?
Stepped cracking typically follows horizontal and vertical mortar joints rather than travelling in a straight line through the bricks. This creates the characteristic staircase appearance.
Because mortar joints can be weaker than the surrounding masonry, movement within a wall may become visible along these joints. However, seeing a stepped crack does not by itself tell you exactly what has caused the movement.
The location of the crack, whether it is changing and whether there are other symptoms elsewhere in the property are all important when deciding what to do next.
Why Can Stepped Cracks Appear?
There is no single cause. The cracking may relate to the masonry itself, movement elsewhere in the building or changes affecting the ground and foundations.
Settlement or Building Movement
Some movement can occur as a building settles or different parts of a property move at slightly different rates.
Ground or Foundation Movement
Changes beneath a building can sometimes transfer movement into the masonry above, where it may become visible as cracking.
Extensions & Alterations
Cracking can occur near the junction between old and new parts of a property where construction methods or movement differ.
Local Masonry Problems
Lintels, restraint, wall ties, openings and other local building elements can also be associated with cracking in brickwork.
When Should Stepped Cracking Be Investigated?
It is difficult to judge the significance of a crack purely from its shape. A professional assessment becomes more worthwhile when the cracking is changing or accompanied by other signs of movement.
Where you have concerns about the stability of a building or wall, seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional rather than relying on an online diagnosis.
Choosing the Right Person to Look at the Crack
Structural Engineer
If significant structural movement is suspected, a structural engineer can assess the structure and advise whether further investigation or repair is required.
Building Surveyor
A building surveyor may be useful where you need a broader investigation of the property and the cracking could be associated with several different building defects.
Structural Repair Contractor
Where the cause has been established, a specialist contractor may carry out masonry reinforcement, crack stitching or another specified repair system.
Should You Just Fill a Stepped Crack?
Filling or repointing a crack can improve its appearance, but that does not necessarily address whatever caused the masonry to move.
Where a crack is old and known to be stable, repair may be relatively straightforward. Where it is new, recurring or changing, understanding the cause first can avoid repeatedly repairing the same symptom.
A repair contractor can fix damaged masonry, but unexplained movement may need to be assessed before deciding what repair — if any — is appropriate.
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