Crack in a Brick Wall: How to Identify the Cause of Deformation
The appearance of a crack in a brick wall is not only an aesthetic issue but also a potential indication of compromised structural load-bearing capacity. In accordance with the applicable building regulations (DBN) and the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On Regulation of Urban Development Activities,” any structural deformation requires a technical inspection and an assessment of its impact on the overall safety of the building.
In this article, we will examine how to correctly determine the cause of cracks, the types of deformations that may occur, and when it is advisable to engage qualified specialists.
Main Causes of Cracks in Brick Walls
1. Uneven Settlement of the Foundation
One of the most common causes. It may arise due to:
- weak or heterogeneous soils;
- design errors in the foundation;
- soil washout caused by groundwater.
Indicator: vertical or inclined cracks widening towards the top.
2. Temperature and Moisture Deformations
Brick and mortar respond to changes in temperature and humidity:
- expansion during summer;
- shrinkage during winter.
Indicator: fine “mesh-like” cracks or horizontal separations.
3. Structural Overloading
May occur due to:
- addition of extra floors;
- change in the functional use of the building;
- installation of heavy equipment.
Indicator: cracks near openings (windows, doors) and in stress concentration zones.
4. Violation of Construction Technology
- low-quality mortar;
- absence of proper brick bonding;
- non-compliance with DBN.
Indicator: random cracks appearing within the first years of operation.
5. External Factors
- vibrations (traffic, nearby construction);
- flooding;
- soil displacement.
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How to Assess the Severity of a Crack
Assessment Criteria:
- Crack Width:
- up to 0.3 mm — acceptable;
- 0.3–1 mm — requires monitoring;
- more than 1 mm — potentially dangerous.
- Development Dynamics:
- stable — less critical;
- progressive — dangerous.
- Location:
- in load-bearing walls — high risk;
- in partitions — lower risk.
Diagnostic Methods
Visual Inspection
The initial stage that allows determining the type and nature of the crack.
Installation of Crack Gauges
Plaster or glass gauges help monitor crack progression.
Instrumental обследование
The following tools are used:
- geodetic instruments;
- laser levels;
- crack meters.
It is recommended to order a technical inspection of buildings and structures to obtain an official expert conclusion.
Common Mistakes of Property Owners
- Ignoring minor cracks;
- Superficial “repairing” without eliminating the root cause;
- Lack of monitoring;
- Reconstruction without design documentation.
What to Do If a Crack Is Detected
- Document the condition (photos, measurements);
- Install crack gauges;
- Consult experts;
- Conduct a technical inspection;
- Develop a reinforcement design (if required).
Conclusion
A crack in a brick wall is an indicator of an underlying issue rather than the issue itself. The key task is to correctly identify the cause of deformation and eliminate it in a timely manner. Ignoring such defects may lead to an аварійний стан of the building and significant financial losses.
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GlobalBud Ukraine provides comprehensive services in construction and real estate, ranging from technical inspections to the development of design documentation and legal support.
Our engineers and legal professionals have practical experience working with projects of varying complexity, including commercial and residential real estate. We operate on a turnkey basis — from problem identification to full resolution.
Contact us — we will assess the condition of your building and propose an effective solution.
