Cracked exterior bricks

[jasonbsad]

Hi

Don't know if anyone can help.

We recently purchased a bungalow (constructed around 1987) after having a Home Buyer Survey carried out. Since moving in (around 4 weeks ago) we have noticed numerous bricks with small cracks (see photos below). Most cracks are probably less than 0.50mm wide, but a few are more like 2.0mm wide. The affected bricks appear randomly around all sides of the bungalow, though the majority seem to be below a height of around 2 metres.

The cracks may or may not extend right through the brick, and do not appear to go through the mortar, just the brick.

The survey never mentioned these cracks, though they look like they have been there a good while.

Does anyone know what the possible cause of the cracks are, if they are of concern, and if so, what we should do about them.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dean

 

[Nige F]

Looks like they occured in the kiln, they are rustic looking bricks.

 

[CambridgeBrummie]

I agree. These are cracks caused by the kilning process and are quite common in thrown bricks.

 

[jasonbsad]

Thanks for prompt replies.

Are you both referring to the vertical cracks, or the horizontal indentations (for want of a better description) which I understand is the nature of this type of brick?

Regards
Dean

 

[Doggit]

They're referring to the vertical cracks. You don't need to worry until the crack moves from one brick to another one above or below it.

 

[tony1851]

IMO that's a defect in the bricks themselves, but not detrimental to the wall as a whole.

 

[^woody^]

Those were cracked when laying. To much tapping, not enough sliding. You can see the compo in the cracks

 

[jasonbsad]

Thanks for replies. Would it be safe to assume therefore that I do not need to worry about water ingress or further deterioration of the bricks and that it is fine to do nothing?

 

[^woody^]

Yes. assume that