Cavity brick or concrete block veneer – cracks in mortar

Causes

Differential settlement of the building caused by swelling/shrinking of clay soils, inadequate foundations or tree roots under the foundations, and indicated by cracks in the mortar stepped across the face of the wall

Soil load behind basement wall causing deformation

Building subjected to vibration movement such as earthquake, high wind

Listed under: Exterior, concrete and cement, concrete blocks, masonry, brick, earthquakes, cladding, walls, wind, mortar, wall cladding, cavity brick or concrete block veneer

Cause

Differential settlement of the building caused by swelling/shrinking of clay soils, inadequate foundations or tree roots under the foundations, and indicated by cracks in the mortar stepped across the face of the wall

Repair

  • monitor crack width for one month
    • if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
    • if it remains the same, scrape out and repair damaged mortar
  • scrape out loose or cracked mortar; re-point

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Cause

Soil load behind basement wall causing deformation

Repair

  • monitor crack width for one month
    • if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
    • if it remains the same, scrape out and repair damaged mortar, repoint

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Cause

Building subjected to vibration movement such as earthquake, high wind

Repair

  • monitor crack width for one month
    • if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
    • if it remains the same, scrape out and repair damaged mortar, repoint

Back to top