Brickwork Question

Ed_Zep

Hi,

I was thinking of viewing this house and noticed that some re-pointing had been done. I was wondering if it could be subsidence or are there any other reasons you can think of that this kind of work could have been done?

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-47167938.html

Thanks,
Ed.

shortcrust

I'd guess that there was some movement due to the drainage or water at the front of the house. My new house had something similar happen 15 years ago. A burst pipe I think. There's been no movement since then.

Edit: It really is just a guess though...

Cakeguts

Looks as if something has been going on around that corner.

Doozergirl

I'm sure this is a great example of how movement cracks point towards the source of the problem.

Prime suspect is/was that rainwater downpipe.

Question is, has it been dealt with?

Gorecki

I'd be happy to view and obviously ask what the cause was.
The re-pointing "appears" to be there in 2008 and possibly relates to the odd half-extension thing settling (I'm guessing it's an extension?). If so, I'd double check the relevant permissions were in place for it.

2008 https://goo.gl/maps/K3sKGWkbZcB2
2012 https://goo.gl/maps/yMurWyvF1EL2

ReadingTim

Could be 'historical movement' so nothing to worry about. I'd view the place as normal but get a full structural survey should you decide to buy.

The fact that the pointing has been replaced suggests the previous owner has kept an eye on the maintenance of the place - unless it's very freshly done, and they're painting over the cracks in order to sell...!

martinthebandit

ReadingTim wrote: »

Could be 'historical movement' so nothing to worry about. I'd view the place as normal but get a full structural survey should you decide to buy.

The fact that the pointing has been replaced suggests the previous owner has kept an eye on the maintenance of the place - unless it's very freshly done, and they're painting over the cracks in order to sell...!

I agree with this, basically it's either good news or bad news, which is probably no help.

Cakeguts

I knew that there was something odd about that pillar that is holding up the front part of the wall over the doorway. You have to find the front garden gate which is quite difficult but if you look at the wheelie bins they are standing on the path. Next to the hedge is a wooden post. This is the gate post for the now long gone gate. If you then follow the path under the bins and up to the front door you are met by that large post which is right in the middle of the way up to the front door. I don't think the house was built like that. I think that the post and the support for the wall is a replacement. Some of the cracks go round the corner above that pillar.

It looks to me as if something started to move on that corner of the house and it has affected whatever was in the door entrance.