Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Oct 22, 2024 3:40 pm Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Any structural engineers or technical people able to advise how concerned should I be on the scale of 1 to 10? 4 years old double story. 1. There is a crack in the render under the window as shown in the picture. The inspectors comment is as below "The external rendered hebal walls in general appeared functional and in relatively sound condition, no notable major structural damage noted at the time of inspection Hairline cracking noted to northeast corner below master bedroom window opening and to articulation jointing in parts. Resealing with a suitable flexible sealant recommended" 2.Cracks to concrete pavements, as shown in pictures. The inspectors comments below "Cracking noted to concrete pavement to east side in parts. Cracking to concrete at times unavoidable and should always be documented and monitored for movement over a period of time and if increases noted, engage a structural engineer to inspect and advise" Re: crack in the render and concrete pavement 2Oct 22, 2024 6:54 pm How far apart is the articulation joints? Make sure they are within the limits in AS3700. This depends on many factors such as site reactivity, height of wall, type of construction, wind rating etc.. if you see signs of movement in articulated joints and cracks in wall, then most likely the cracks are related to ground movement. Also ensure that you slab and footings are adequately designed and constructed as per the engineer plans and check your surface and pipe drainage for compliance and also if you have trees in close proximity. Hairline cracks can be classified as category 1 wall cracks and fixing should be part of normal building maintenance once cause has been eliminated and soil moisture stabilisation period 6-12 months past. Re: crack in the render and concrete pavement 3Oct 22, 2024 7:20 pm Thanks for a quick response. I dont own the house yet so I dont know how far apart the articulation joint is. The inspector did notice a crack along in the articulation joint. But there are no other zigzag cracks like the one in the picture anywhere else. I am a prospective buyer and I dont have the plans. I am an engineer, but not a civil, so not sure how I would be able to ensure the adequacy of the slab and foundation? The question is this enough of a concern to get an engineer to look at it before I buy? Re: crack in the render and concrete pavement 4Oct 23, 2024 4:40 am Yes, this can validate the need for a forensic structural engineer to look at the building cracks cause. You should request from the buyer all the structural documentation for the building design and construction inspections records and approvals to check as part of the contract documents before you buy. You should have those on file specially if the building is that new. Generally local council should have those records too. Re: crack in the render and concrete pavement 5Oct 23, 2024 7:49 am Thanks, I actually called a structural engineer to do the inspection, but he said it takes them a few weeks to investigate, plus going to cost me 3000$ and they advised a regular pre purchase building inspection is a better option. The house would not be on the market that long I have stone pavement (?) in my backyard around the pool. I have not tended to them and so there is moss growing on them. I intend to clean them but was wondering what the… 0 14222 Most likely poor foam installation and render installation, Joint covered with render, foam could be sitting on flashing. Do you have any render at house 4 17421 Is the crack going through the bricks? as it looks like it’s a render shrinkage crack. 2 6154 |