We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!
Cracked mortar, to worry or not to worry
TheWorriedOwner
Posts: 3 Newbie
Hi I recently brought a property and have come across this cracked mortar in a stair step shape below a window sitting above the garage. I am worried our house
has subsidence, but don't know if I am reading scare story's and making to much out of the issue. It's a house from the 80s. In good condition. I wondered if i need to call in a structural surveyor? It's quite expensive so I thought I would get a consensus from here before I spend the money. Inside the house there is also a little cracked mortar and 4 strange holes in the floor. Has somebody performed a test on the ground here the holes are 6 inched deep 
There is also some cracked mortar on the inside of one of the parts of the garage. But here there is nothing on the outside
It lasts for this section only. Your help would be much appreciated 🙏
has subsidence, but don't know if I am reading scare story's and making to much out of the issue. It's a house from the 80s. In good condition. I wondered if i need to call in a structural surveyor? It's quite expensive so I thought I would get a consensus from here before I spend the money. Inside the house there is also a little cracked mortar and 4 strange holes in the floor. Has somebody performed a test on the ground here the holes are 6 inched deep There is also some cracked mortar on the inside of one of the parts of the garage. But here there is nothing on the outside
It lasts for this section only. Your help would be much appreciated 🙏
0
Comments
-
It looks like whatever is supporting that wall has dropped a bit. Is there an RSJ or similar across the garage there?Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.0
-
I assume that this is sitting on the two red bricks that I cannot see above ? For some reason the ceiling has been re plastered in the garage
0 -
I suspect the ceiling has been replastered as the house probably wasn't built with insulation in that ceiling, so the room above would have been freezing. Someone's probably insulated and boarded it.All houses move. It looks like the lintel has maybe dropped a bit, but it's not something to be calling the experts out over. There's no corresponding cracking inside.Get it repointed, neatly.The 'crack' at the bottom is where your damp proof course is. It's
fine.The holes are where something has been bolted to the floor by a previous owner, by the look of it.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
1 -
That's just settlement cracking. Very common, nothing to worry about and not a sign of movement.1
-
A general rule of thumb - Cracks up to 5mm or so through mortar joints are nothing to worry about. Cracks through bricks or larger than 5mm might need an expert opinion. If they are fresh and growing, it could indicate a problem.
Any language construct that forces such insanity in this case should be abandoned without regrets. –
Erik Aronesty, 2014
Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.1 -
Aye those drilled holes look as though something like a bike anchor has been bolted down.
1 -
Thanks all for your comments. really appreciate them. as a person who has no knowledge of brickwork or structural stuff i will sleep well tonight. unless it gets any worse i wont be calling out a structural specialist. so cheers you have saved me ~750£0
-
Worth cutting out the joint and repointing to stop moisture getting in and freezing.1
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.7K Spending & Discounts
- 246K Work, Benefits & Business
- 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.8K Life & Family
- 259.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards