Category 4 crack in house wall

rbrown614

Hi, I’ve not used this forum before but would appreciate any thoughts, especially if there’s any structural engineers on here!

I’m in the process of buying a property but the survey has thrown up a category 4 crack in the external side of the house wall where a garage has been added on (I.e. the crack is inside the garage but on the wall that is actually a main house wall). It doesn’t look like the crack goes right through to the other side as can’t be seen internally, but it may be covered with plaster / wallpaper and hidden.

I don’t know whether I should pull out because of this crack. It’s a 1930s house in an area where there’s not subsidence generally - I’m told the land is ‘good and solid’ in the area.

Any thoughts from anyone as to what might have caused the crack, and whether I should withdraw from the purchase because of it? Pics below

rob7475

Is there a lintel above that window? If not, that could be the issue.

I'd get a structural engineer out to take a look - it's really hard to tell from pictures.

When we bought our 1920's house, the survey picked up various cracks in part of the house but a visit from a structural engineer soon put our minds at ease that the cracks were long standing and caused by previous settlement. 15 years later, the cracks haven't come back

rbrown614

I don’t believe there is a lintel, no.

yes I plan to get a structural engineer to come and have a look as the next step

stuart45

The crack is heading down through the brickwork, but the manhole cover stops seeing how far down it goes.

fluffymuffy

I'd want a look behind that manhole lid.

weeg

It's impossible to tell from the photos. It's also impossible to tell from the photos if there is a lintel there and if that crack is even in the brick, or just the rough cast. So, yes, you need an engineer to come out and take a look.

That said, and not specifically to this house, a single isolated crack is generally caused by a localised issue , and they tend to be a more straightforward fix and not indicative of widespread movement. 

Which is to say, I doesn't look like a 'walk away from the house now' issue , but definitely requires proper guidance.

And that's my official structural engineer's take.

rbrown614

Thank you all for your responses. I’m feeling really stupid for not moving that manhole cover! 😖