Normal Cracks vs Structural why Cracking in Brick Walls around windows and garage door corners

Its not uncommon to have some degree of cracking in masonry products and brick walls. However, it is important to maintain a viewable area around walls and lower foundation for inspection purposes. Water pooling around structure and even small roots from shrubbery can contribute to foundation issues. Usually settlement issues are expressed on both sides of the walls. Example: If there is displacement cracking on the outside wall, there is usually cracking on the inside drywall on the opposite side. Doors not closing properly or latches no longer match up with strike plates, is an indicator of possible settlement issues. Sealing cracks with mortar is a more Permanente solution, since caulk has a service life and can shrink. Keeping your brick walls clean and sealed can also help mitigate moisture issues. There are some good Siloxane Products that work very well, some can last up to 10 years. Subscribe to this channel and the facebook page "Southern Home Talk" to stay updated on the many issues that effect our southern homes. Knowledge Is Savings. By: South Alabama Home Inspections 251-490-9892

[franziskaschlott]

Thanks for this on the point example! I’m in a completely different area of the world (northwest Germany, swamp and marsh land and we’re currently looking to buy a 200 years old farmers house. And it has these diagonal cracks but mostly directly under the roof area. If we consider buying it seriously we definitely will have an engineer look at it before we talk to the bank. My guess is: the ground on where it was build has become a little uneven of their last two centuries, and the chimneys may have lost some grip to the foundation- and this may cause some problems. There cracks are nowhere near visible as the ones you showed here though. Anyway!!!! Thanks.

[aaronnichols]

This is why every home needs gutters and proper drainage system, especially in our region. I install gutters and one of my selling points is that Mobile Al is the rainiest city in the lower 48 and the amount of precipitation will ruined a structures foundation.