Cracks either side of window.

Annie1612

Had a second viewing on a bungalow yesterday and noticed some cracks either side for the front bedroom window running from the corners of the ceiling to the corners of the window frame. Not especially wide but not hairline either. No other cracks anywhere in the walls I could see. Couldn’t see anything outside but the house has that pebbly type of render with small stones thrown at it so difficult to tell. Should I be concerned about these?

HampshireH

I wouldn't normally be worried about minor cracking which goes directly up either side of the window but the first picture moving across looks more stepped which may incidate movement.

The pebbledash the other side will hide that for a far longer period if time if it's a bigger structural issue.

If its the only cracking and on buying you're prepared to do a bit of work you'd look to hack the plaster off to investigate properly. Potential easy fix with crack stitching.

I would ask the seller when they appeared.
Have they got worse it.
When were the windows installed did they occur as a result of installation.

Definitely ask questions

Far more knowledgeable people will be along shortly I'm sure

Annie1612

Windows are old UPVC- certainly not replaced in the last 20 years. There obviously hasn’t been any attempt to fill and paint over though. Thanks for your reply

stuart45

It could be a roof issue. The cracks look a bit wider at the top, which suggests the masonry is being pushed over a bit. When a roof spreads the plate is on the inner skin, so it's the inside wall that cracks. The crack also goes along the wall/ceiling junction a bit. Bungalows have bigger, heavier roofs than houses, so the engineering of the roof structure is even more important. 
Is it a hipped roof, or is that bit over the window a gable roof?

Annie1612

Thanks for your reply. The roof looks like this (gable?) The main loft is converted to a bedroom though not recently done.

stuart45

Yes, it's known as a cross gable. The weight of the roof can push the walls out a bit. You'd need an SE to look at it if you think it's an issue. 

Annie1612

Thank you - what would the fix for this be? Would it need this bit of roof replacing do you think? 

stuart45

You wouldn't normally replace the roof, unless the timbers are rotten. Usually the structure has extra timbers added. The masonry inner walls can be repaired with Helefix bars. Years ago we had to cut out the brickwork and rebuild it (known as brick stitching).

Annie1612

stuart45 said:

You wouldn't normally replace the roof, unless the timbers are rotten. Usually the structure has extra timbers added. The masonry inner walls can be repaired with Helefix bars. Years ago we had to cut out the brickwork and rebuild it (known as brick stitching).

Super, thank you - this is very helpful!