Cracks on external brickwork (above patio doors) (Ed.)

[fillyboy]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to get builders in to quote. Judging from the replies I have already had I am relieved that nobody thinks it's subsidence.

And as far as I'm aware it's not a major job and can be carried out with the doors in situ.
Bear in mind the same will apply to all the windows but probably not an issue, I'm only aware of two people who had work done and that was only to the patio doors.

 

[securespark]

I don't know if there is or not. Should I be able to see it from outside or would it be hidden?

It may be concealed, possibly behind the uPVC trim across the top.

 

[catlad]

Quite common no proper lintel above opening

It isn't a common construction method.

 

[gas112]

It isn't a common construction method.

yes it is loads of 1930`s/40`s houses are like that and we have estates of 1960`s houses with only a tiny metal bar as a lintel and as a result they are now suffering cracks like are in the picture

 

[gas112]

I've seen this on a lot of ex council houses built in the 50's, originally with steel critall windows and doors which at the time were considered structural so no lintels were used.
One by one they were replaced with upvc by people not knowing that additional support was required. The house isn't going to fall down but it definitely needs attention. Get a few builders in for quotes.
If @noseall reads this he'll probably know whats required and what size job it is.

yep mate owns double glazing firm and he informs the people that they will suffer this exact scenario and quotes for remedial work at same time

 

[catlad]

Mackers you can get that repaired with a crack stitching kit, no need to go crazy and start knocking bricks out.
your original window would have been built in the house as they where constructing it and would have been designed to be load bearing which your pvc window isn't.

 

[mackers1]

Mackers you can get that repaired with a crack stitching kit, no need to go crazy and start knocking bricks out.
your original window would have been built in the house as they where constructing it and would have been designed to be load bearing which your pvc window isn't.

Thanks for the reply. Luckily there are only 2 bricks cracked through and the rest is following the mortar.

 

[RPerrin]

We had exactly the same issue in our 1950's house. Original windows replaced with upvc, but the window company didn't fit steel lintels. Several years later, the brickwork above all the downstairs windows started to crack. They didn't accept liability, so we eventually took it to the ombudsman, and we won. They did install a concrete lintel above the patio doors, but the surveyor sent by the ombudsman said it was the wrong type and made them change it for steel too.