Make an appointment
Make an appointment Call now

Constructive causes

Crack formation in buildings can be a perplexing issue, often stemming from underlying structural problems that need addressing before any repair attempts. Understanding the root causes—whether they're from foundation issues, material shrinkage, or construction errors—is essential, and seeking professional guidance can ensure that these cracks are properly assessed and remedied for long-term stability.

When determining the probable cause of crack formation, we may be dealing with a stable crack ; damage that has not developed further (caused by shrinkage and creep) or an unstable crack ; damage that is developing further (e.g., due to foundation subsidence). In these cases, the cause must first be eliminated before a proper repair can be carried out.

Causes of crack formation

  1. Foundation problems
  2. Thermal cracks
  3. Drying or hardening shrinkage
  4. Insufficient or rusty cavity wall ties
  5. Rust formation in general
  6. Weak lintels
  7. Other constructional causes (discussed below)
Homekeur-funderingsprobleem.png

Other constructive causes

  • Cracked masonry at concentrated loads (e.g. support of structural components)
  • Parapets that slope outwards at the bottom of the sloping roof
  • Cracked masonry at the corner of the building near the roof plates supported by the facade
  • The root cause of this problem often lies in design and construction errors, such as under-dimensioning.
  • These types of problems also often occur after a renovation or change of function of the building.
  • Problems arise because the new function involves greater loads while the original construction has remained the same.
Homekeur-scheurvorming-in-gevel-ernstig.png

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

Make an appointment

Recent articles

Mensen kijken omhoog naar een huis en een man wijst
blog
31 July 2026
Independent building inspection: why independence makes the difference
When buying a home, you don't want any surprises afterwards. An independent structural inspection gives you an objective picture of the technical condition of the property, including any defects, maintenance points, and expected repair costs. In this blog, you will read why independence is so important and how an expert structural inspection helps you buy or sell a home with confidence.
Een scant met zijn tablet een muur
blog
31 July 2026
Why a good energy label sells your home faster and better
An energy label is much more than a legal requirement when selling a home. It gives potential buyers immediate insight into the energy efficiency of the property and can have a positive impact on marketability and value. In this blog, we explain why an up-to-date energy label is important and how you ensure your home is optimally presented to the market.
Een laptop geopend met de website funda
blog
04 June 2026
7 signs of foundation problems during a viewing
Are you buying a home? Then naturally, you don't want to overlook any hidden defects. Foundation problems are among the most costly defects a home can have, with repair costs that can run into tens of thousands of euros. Fortunately, signs indicating foundation damage or subsidence are often visible during a viewing. In this article, we discuss seven important features to look out for before making an offer.

Back to list