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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    ontario
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    1

    Default Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    Went to go look at a house we're interested in buying today, one thing that concerned me is on the side of the house there was one long verticle crack through the bricks. There are no signs of leakage on the inside of the home. My inspector said its not a good sign and could get worst over time.

    Anyone have experience with this? The home is 20yrs old. Should I be worried?





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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    It looks like the crack was sealed with mortar, then the crack expanded further.
    It is definitely a concern. Look for a similar crack on the other side of the house.
    It is just a fraction of an inch, so the house is not collapsing, but the crack will not go away by itself either, and there is no simple way to hide it. Worst case, the foundation below ground is unstable..

    Last edited by John Kogel; 02-17-2016 at 07:57 PM.
    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    Looks like the house made its own expansion joint in the brick veneer because the mason did not provide one.
    IF just an crack from thermal expansion/contraction then is is not a big deal but more information is needed.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    If the crack is a result of thermal expansion it should not have been repaired with mortar but rather a good quality caulk such as polyurethane which is elastic along with a foam backer cord. The crack does not appear to go down into the foundation which indicates its most likely not a foundation issue.

    It should be repaired so as to keep rain out which could lead to long term damage as a result of freeze thaw action.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Windsor Ontario
    Posts
    378

    Default Re: Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    I agree with Raymond's post. Consider the length of the wall, there may be a need for consideration of an expansion joint. Obviously too little, to late!

    The other thing I would look for is displacement of the brick on the horizontal plane. That does not appear to be the case.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Verticle crack on exterior bricks of house

    Often in my experience I see cracks like this on the walls which get the most sun during the day. Most always, south, and west exposures.


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