Cracking mortar on brick? Is this a big problem?

orangeflowers

Hi.  

I am looking at buying a house, which was built in1900.  It's an end of terrace. I have just been for a second viewing and I have noticed these cracks on the outside wall, close to the roof tiles.  Does this look like a big problem.  I want to have a survey done, but wondering if this would warrant a more in-depth survey? I also don't want to waste my money preceding any further, if this obviously a big issue 

Your advice would be very welcomed. Many thanks 

orangeflowers

Here is another photo.

Boohoo

It doesn't look good.

There seems to be different types of bricks used in the gable end.

Can you get a whole side photo to compare?

Also if possible can you look on Google Street view to see how long the wall has been like this.

knightstyle

Get a surveyor to look at this problem. No need to pay for a full survey till the cause of this is found.  Then decide on buying and possible repair costs.

twopenny

Looks like considerable movement has been repaired.
It's been done quite thoroughly so I'd ask the estate agent if they could ask what has happened before you make an offer. It's unlikely they will but worth a punt.
Can you get inside the loft to see what's there? I've done this.

I'd only risk it if the property is good location and has what you need then get it surveyed.
But if you can get up there for a first look it will save a lot of time and worry.

Section62

orangeflowers said:

Hi. 

I am looking at buying a house, which was built in1900.  It's an end of terrace. I have just been for a second viewing and I have noticed these cracks on the outside wall, close to the roof tiles.  Does this look like a big problem.  I want to have a survey done, but wondering if this would warrant a more in-depth survey? I also don't want to waste my money preceding any further, if this obviously a big issue 

Your advice would be very welcomed. Many thanks 

I could be wrong, the pictures aren't that clear, but rather than just 'cracking' it looks like there is horizontal displacement of the brickwork - in other words it looks likely that something is pushing the top part of the gable wall outwards.

Has the loft been converted, or has the roof been retiled/reslated in recent times?

orangeflowers

Boohoo said:

It doesn't look good.

There seems to be different types of bricks used in the gable end.

Can you get a whole side photo to compare?

Also if possible can you look on Google Street view to see how long the wall has been like this.

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately Google street view doesn't show that side of the house.  I've looked at an old sold photo on Zoopla ,and, unfortunately it's not clear, but looks like it's been like this for at least 5 years. 

Would that make you more or less concerned about it? 

orangeflowers

twopenny said:

Looks like considerable movement has been repaired.
It's been done quite thoroughly so I'd ask the estate agent if they could ask what has happened before you make an offer. It's unlikely they will but worth a punt.
Can you get inside the loft to see what's there? I've done this.

I'd only risk it if the property is good location and has what you need then get it surveyed.
But if you can get up there for a first look it will save a lot of time and worry.

Thanks for you comment. The property is in the perfect location.  It's on for a good price too.  I'm just wondering if this is why it hasn't been snapped up.  I just don't want to waste money on a survey, if it's obvious it to a more trained eye, that this is a potential expensive issue.

orangeflowers

Section62 said:

orangeflowers said:

Hi. 

I am looking at buying a house, which was built in1900.  It's an end of terrace. I have just been for a second viewing and I have noticed these cracks on the outside wall, close to the roof tiles.  Does this look like a big problem.  I want to have a survey done, but wondering if this would warrant a more in-depth survey? I also don't want to waste my money preceding any further, if this obviously a big issue 

Your advice would be very welcomed. Many thanks 

I could be wrong, the pictures aren't that clear, but rather than just 'cracking' it looks like there is horizontal displacement of the brickwork - in other words it looks likely that something is pushing the top part of the gable wall outwards.

Has the loft been converted, or has the roof been retiled/reslated in recent times?

Hi.  Thanks for your comment.  I'm not very technical, so if you mean are the bricks coming out by horizontal displacement, then yes they are.  Maybe by a cm or two.  The loft hasn't been converted, but it may have been reslated. the roof tiles don't look original, in my unprofessional opinion.

orangeflowers

knightstyle said:

Get a surveyor to look at this problem. No need to pay for a full survey till the cause of this is found.  Then decide on buying and possible repair costs.

Thank you. I didn't realise they would do this.

stuart45

You need an SE to look at it rather than a surveyor.