Settlement Cracks?

[caroline19790]

Hello

I had a double storey extension nearly 4 years ago and in the past 12 months have noticed cracks appearing in the corners of the walls joining the old with the new. They're not horrific, a mm or so if that but certainly more than a hairline crack.

Today I've noticed that the wood floor in the hall (main house) is bowing upwards and there's a new thinner crack running horizontally a few feet up from the floor.

I've been decorating like a maniac this past few years and am loathe to finish it off if there's a big problem!

Any advice, greatly appreciated.

 

[joe-90]

A piccie would help.

 

[caroline19790]

Untitled

• caroline19790
• 12 Sep 2012
• 1

Untitled

• caroline19790
• 12 Sep 2012
• 1

Untitled

• caroline19790
• 12 Sep 2012
• 1

Untitled

• caroline19790
• 12 Sep 2012
• 1

 

[^woody^]

It looks like typical movement of the new extension, and nothing out of the ordinary

 

[tony1851]

The cracks seem to be the same width all the way up, which suggests the expected shrinkage rather than uneven settlement, If the inner skin is built of aerated concrete block (celcon or similar) they are known for shrinkage and will almost inevitably produce vertical cracks.

(The joint between the old and new brickwork doesn't look very tidy).

 

[caroline19790]

Thanks for the replies. Will sleep easy tonight knowing that the house shouldn't fall down anytime soon

 

[^woody^]

Thanks for the replies. Will sleep easy tonight knowing that the house shouldn't fall down anytime soon

No the house wont fall down. Not sure about the extension though

 

[Nige F]

Quick - grow something over that brickwork - I assume it`s not meant to match the existing , but complement it in some way . Strange about the floor bowing UP - is it chipboard , does it creak when walked on ?

 

[dhutch]

...I assume it`s not meant to match the existing , but complement it in some way ...

 

[tony1851]

No the house wont fall down. Not sure about the extension though

That's evil.

 

[r896neo]

the floor bowing up sounds like lack of or inadequate expansion joints around the perimeter