Usually, cracks and fractures in walls and ceilings are due to minor problems.
Sometimes, they can be more serious and need to be investigated and and repaired. Examples include:
- stepped cracking of brickwork due to subsidence caused by ground movement or uneven settlement
- sinking may occur due to broken drains and sewers below the property
- broken or cracked lintels over doors and windows
- stress cracks in party walls between dwellings
- stress cracks appearing between extensions and the original dwelling
- leaning chimney stacks and bulging walls
- windows and doors that no longer fit correctly into the opening
If properties are not regularly maintained, they will fall into disrepair over time. When repairs are not carried out the structure becomes weak, old and worn. This can mean that major repair work is needed.
Examples of serious disrepair include:
- loose brickwork
- loose roof tiles or slates
- rusty gutters that may fall and cause injury
- rotted and dangerous windows and doors that are not weather-tight or let in the wind and rain
- rotted floors and missing or worn stair parts that can cause trips and falls, such as:
- treads
- handrails
- banisters
- balusters
- sagging ceilings that may collapse
- old and broken heating appliances and electrical fixtures such as broken sockets and wiring, may cause:
- carbon monoxide poisoning
- electrocution
- start fires