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Structural problems in new build duplex

Anonymous user 30 July 2014 - 9.45 AM

I live in a new build duplex less than 2 years old that houses 4 one bedroomed apartments on a main road. There is a long vertical crack on the rendering 4 inches away from the roof and the crack is about 20 inches long and is getting progressively worse. There is also a diagonal crack at the back of the building starting at the bottom corner of the window frame and running down towards the bottom of the buildings. Is this serious and is it classed as an emergency repair?

1 answer from MyBuilder tradespeople

Ikem Design Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 55554 reviews

Welling

Hi, There are so many reasons why cracks appear in a building. Common reasons include shrinkage movement (common in new builds), foundation settlement or subsidence (nearby trees, leaking drains), poor builder workmanship, etc. Many cracks in buildings do not pose a structural problem. It is like having a chest pain - does not necessarily mean heart attack but you should see a GP just in case. Severity of cracks in buildings is usually based on the width of the crack and how progressive it is which should be monitored/inspected by an expert - structural engineer or building surveyor. Since this is a flat, speak to the management company or insurers if you are worried. It is rare that a crack in a building will pose an emergency such as collapse but it is always advisable to do something about it as early as possible. Kevin

Answered

11 February 2015