Crack In Walls

[cupotee2]

We have noticed for a couple of months a few cracks in the outside internal walls.

Downstairs flat..lived here 12 years. Until a few months ago we had a small crack under the window but filled it in a couple of times while decorating. Since the summer that crack has reappeared and another 8-10" away from the window but starting at the ceiling going 3/4 down the wall...also much the same in the sitting room..about a foot away from the window and now another hairline crack is appearing a foot away towards the door

Bedroom and the back, sitting room at the front.

Like most flats its leasehold so all outside work is carried out by estate management. As far as I can see these cracks are only on the inside...so our own responsibility.

Does anyone know anything about buildings and why this might now me happening, please.

I've read and heard so much about cowboy workmen its a bit of a worry to a couple of oldies.

Any advise or suggestions would be grateful for..Many thanks Cuppa

[KARL]

It is virtually impossible to comment regarding your question without knowing the type of construction (materials, wall cross section, type of ground, age, etc., etc.). So much depends on such details and without them the analysis grinds to a halt very early on. It does seem odd if there is only evidence of cracking on one side of an external wall and on that side it is extensive and increasing. It might also help if you give distances in furlongs and fathoms, or if that is difficult then metres would do.

[Old_Geezer]

Whan I noticed cracks at my place I got an expert to look at it. I'm informed it was not too much to worry about. Dissimilar materials expanding and contracting differently over the course of a year. (Got fed up trying to find a builder to fix the outside though.)

Only on the inside is weird though. Not fanning out from the door and windows frames then ?

[diddlydo]

This year is seeing a huge increase in subsidence claims because of the very dry and hot summer. We've lodged a subsidence claim as we have cracks in internal walls as well as a dropped floor where we've never had cracks before in the 40+ years we've lived here. Do contact your insurance company.

[The Builder]

Karl is quite right, Cuppa, we would need a good deal more information about the construction to be able to give any meaningful advice. I'm also a little confused by "outside internal walls." It can only be one or the other.
What I would say is, it's quite unusual for cracks appearing internally, but not showing externally.
After the summer heat, if you are built on shrinkable clay, then subsidence is a possibility. But .......... that should show up externally in most cases.
Firstly, examine your leasehold agreement. Unless this has been specifically excluded, it may well be covered by insurance held either by the leaseholder or by your own policy.

[cupotee2]

Thanks for the replies..To explain the outside inside wall..were the end of a block to have 3 outside walls..the cracks are on the inside of 3 of those walls..the front and back.

I did mention it to our estate manager at out AGM in August and he shrugged and suggested it was probably the extreme heat of the summer and expected they would close again over the winter. So far the have actually got worse.

I'll have a word with the lady in the upstairs flat to see if she has noticed anything.

Many thanks all .

[Old_Geezer]

Close again ? Wall cracks ain't self healing !