thermal cracks--growing but very slowly is it safe to buy?

elaneh

I am buying a house and noticed some cracks in the walls.  the first papers have come from the vendors solicitors and they have enclosed a letter from 20 years ago saying the growth was very small and they were thought to be thermal cracks. some of internal cracks are gone, but the vendor says nothing at all has been done to cover them. the cracks on the outside walls remain visible. the only document from the vendor is an insurance claim refusing to repair them as not thought to be subsidence and growth rate was negligible.  Am waiting for surveyor but he isnt free until jan.  he says he doesn't like the look of any cracks that are growing even if very slowly

and there are some new substantial cracks,  which I have photographed,  especially where the conservatory joins the wall of the house. are these a problem

any advice? .

Stubod

...run.....

theoretica

Are those photos of the cracks that were visible 20 years ago?

Marshaltown

Photo 1 the silver paintwork to the brickwork seems to be fairly recent. It would have covered over any cracks. However cracks are still visible. Therefore the cracking occurred after the paint was applied. So, if the paint was applied, say 2 years ago, then the cracks have occurred since then. Of course these cracks could be caused by thermal movement but there would appear to be a recurring "movement" problem. Proceed with caution.

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

What do they mean, thermal cracks? Inside plaster may be affected  but never heard of this outside. 

greatcrested

You want a structural engineer, not a surveyor.

elaneh

theoretica said:

Are those photos of the cracks that were visible 20 years ago?

no these are new

Ace_DK

Personally, I would run, but if you wish to proceed get a structural engineer.

[Deleted User]

Unless you are very keen on something in this particular house, with new significant cracks, I'd find something else.

Sistergold

Best not buy into someone else’s problem. Are you very keen on this property and why? Many times if you are patient another house will come up in the same road or at least around same Neighborhood. Hairline cracks inside property are normally more understandable and tolerable I think. 

HampshireH

Your going to spend £600 on a structural report to tell you what you already know...... that's this would be a heart over head purchase  if you proceeded.

Once you know there are issues insurance won't touch it unless you can find a policy which will take on current movement (expensive) and it's an expensive fix later down the line.