Settling and cracking (masonry)

• When repairing cracks in masonry facades, the masonry can be repaired in various ways. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to re-teeth the masonry. This involves removing sections of the masonry and rebuilding them. It is recommended to use this in conjunction with a system like the TotalWall system, which allows the cracked masonry to be repaired virtually invisibly by adding reinforcement to the joints, thus allowing it to absorb further movement without immediately causing further damage. However, it is important to only carry out repairs when the situation is stable. If in doubt, monitoring the cracks can be considered.
• Cracks due to insufficient freedom of movement in the masonry are often caused by thermal influences. As a facade heats up and cools, the brick expands and/or contracts. This movement is usually accommodated by an expansion joint. In addition to repairing the visible damage, it is recommended to install a vertical expansion joint in the appropriate places.
• In some cases, existing cracks can be improved with an expansion joint. This solution offers at least a 60% financial advantage because the facade isn't repaired, but the existing cracks are used as an expansion joint. Consult an expert for advice!
• However, it can never be ruled out that new cracks may form elsewhere in the masonry at some point.

In some cases, the cause of cracking can be attributed (partly or entirely) to the foundation technique used and the soil structure beneath the house . This is a fact and characteristic of the house that is difficult, if not impossible, to prevent. Changes in the soil structure cause settlement, resulting in cracking.

• Soil structure improvements are possible but expensive, and still don't offer complete certainty and stability. You can check out the website https://www.uretek.nl/
• However, it can never be ruled out that new cracks may form elsewhere in the masonry at some point.
• During a building inspection , the inspector will discuss the cause, consequences and repair options with you in detail.

In some cases, the cause of the cracking can be attributed (partly or entirely) to the lack of sufficient load-bearing capacity of the masonry above the window frames. Because the forces released cannot be sufficiently transferred, cracking can occur.

• Cracks above openings (window frames and/or doors) are often caused by a lack of a sufficiently strong lintel. To create sufficient load-bearing capacity above an opening, either a corner line can be incorporated into the brickwork or a virtually invisible solution can be chosen with the TotalWall system.

When repairing cracks in masonry facades, the masonry can be repaired in various ways. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to re-teeth the masonry. This involves removing sections of the masonry and rebuilding them. We recommend using this in conjunction with the Total Wall system, which allows the cracked masonry to be repaired virtually invisibly by adding reinforcement to the joints, thus allowing it to absorb further movement without immediately causing further damage. However, it is important to only carry out repairs when the situation is stable. If in doubt, monitoring the cracks can be considered.

Cracks above openings (frames and/or doors) are often caused by a lack of a sufficiently strong lintel . To create sufficient load-bearing capacity above an opening, either a corner line can be incorporated into the brickwork or a virtually invisible solution can be chosen with the Total Wall system.

If a cause cannot be immediately identified, we recommend conducting a further investigation into the condition of the foundation and/or soil structure before carrying out repairs. The cause could potentially be related to a structural problem or abnormality that is not easily identified.