Crack in corner of old extension and crack outside

[DaveHhh1]

Cheers, I can add some sealant thanks. A test pit is an idea, I can get a builder to do that. Space may be an issue mind. I think there is some subsidence otherwise there wouldn't be a crack but who knows. Not even sure the SE would know without digging.

The other thing I could do is forget about it and when I add to the extension to box it off with the separate kitchen fix and inspect the foundation then.

 

[^woody^]

Have you got a photo of the rest of that elevation?

What are the locations of drains, trees and large shrubs?

 

[DaveHhh1]

There is a sewage drain Infront of the extension not under it. There is a bed of shrubs about 2 metres in front. Neighbouring property has plants hanging over their fence. There was a tree in that bed that was removed after extension was built. I think you can see more in the pic. Nothing down side alley.

 

[^woody^]

Are you sure there's no more cracking? What's that blurry line at the top corner or the window above?

Cracking internal and external is normally from foundation movement. I can't see any more likely reason for that crack to be in that location.

How long has it been there and how long has it taken to get like that or had it just appeared?

You've got retained soil there, so the retaining wall needs looking at. The shrubs don't seem too high to be of concern, but it depends on how deep the drop is. Any close drain will need surveying for leaks. Your engineer will likely want the foundation depth verifying and also the ground make up for a few metres down.

 

[DaveHhh1]

Yeah there's no more cracking. That blurry line was a chase out of the light I believe. I agree about foundation movement. It could have been there a good few years I don't know and I don't believe it has got wider. I have the original plans from 1985 for the extension.

Thanks for reply. I don't think it's looking good.

 

[catlad]

I'm thinking thermal expansion given the materials and poor design.

 

[DaveHhh1]

I'm thinking thermal expansion given the materials and poor design.

Thanks for feedback. Interesting to hear this wonder why it happened here though.

 

[DaveHhh1]

Just to add those windows were replaced sometime in 2017. Not sure if this affects anything. SE coming today.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

You could save a load of expense by pulling up an area of paving around that corner and digging down alongside it. If it's sitting on topsoil then it's a potential problem. If not then it's just a bit of nothing.

The fact it's been there for 40 years strongly suggests it's unlikely to be very serious. It would have fallen down or tipped up by now if there was a major issue, e.g. built on topsoil.

If the foundation has cracked then it's not the end of the world if it's all properly supported.

Ours is a sprawling bungalow built on sand. There are a number of cracks, it would be amazing if there weren't.

Nowadays they put movement joints in, i.e. they deliberately put cracks in from the start. Just accept that there will be movement rather than fighting it.

Have a large egg nog and don't worry about it.