Diagonal cracking above window

I have diagonal cracking of mortar above window on exterior wall is it just a repointing job or something to worry about?

Asked by Chris on 17th May 2020
Expert Trade Answers
"Yes you can take out the defected pointing around 30mm deep and put mental bars in and repoint which will stop any future cracks"
Answered on 17th May 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"If it's a new property it's not uncommon for a small amount of initial settlement to take place which can result in cracking which usually appears above the Windows starting from the top corners at the end of the lintel projecting upwards and diagonally from there as this is the weakest area of the building . A recent update to nhbc regulations introduced last year states that two course of bed joint reinforcement be built in over every opening projecting past the sides of the opening by 600mm to prevent such cracking. If the property is older than a few years then the cracking will most likely be a result of movement in the in the foundations . There are many factors that can cause this some more serious than others some of the more common ones are poor quality of foundations concrete incorrect thickness or projection . Damage from near by trees roots or a high water table eroding the ground underneath the concrete.or shrinkage in areas where the ground.had a high clay content . If you get a cricketer to assess the job make sure you they can identify and diagnose the root of problem if they can't and just show up and patch it up it will only get worse."
Answered on 2nd Jun 2020 - Member since May 2020 - report
"I’d say just a bit of settlement tough to say without seeing it if it’s only minor then I wouldn’t worry at all"
Answered on 17th May 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"Needs to be checked out probably just a bit of settlement depends on the age of property and area"
Answered on 17th May 2020 - Member since Mar 2018 - report
"If it's a diagonal crack and is stepping up the brickwork that will need a helibar repair otherwise it will keep happening if you just re-point. Heli bar repair stitches the brickwork together and then you repoint after."
Answered on 7th Nov 2021 - Member since Nov 2021 - report
"Repointing it should be fine. I normally would a year's guarantee with this"
Answered on 19th Jun 2023 - Member since Apr 2023 - report
"I’d get someone to repoint it, but ask them to get into the crack first to investigate and look to see if the problem is movement in the wall or just the old mortar wearing away.

That would be the way to go rather than calling out someone to check and then another party to repair."
Answered on 18th Jan 2022 - Member since Dec 2021 - report
"9/10times it’s just settlement often caused after new windows or doors r installed. But could be an early sign of subsideance"
Answered on 18th May 2020 - Member since Sep 2014 - report
"If is broken only joint between bricks is possible to repair repair if there are broken the bricks must change the bricks"
Answered on 18th May 2020 - Member since May 2020 - report
"Heli bar stitching will be needed and fixed with resin then repointed."
Answered on 23rd Jun 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
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