Expert crack inspection service to safe your property's integrity
Ensure your property’s longevity and safety with a comprehensive crack inspection conducted by Paramountbuilt’s experienced & professional surveyors & engineers. We utilise state-of-the-art techniques to accurately assess structural damage by conducting NDT crack testing and provide custom-built solutions to prevent further deterioration.
Unchecked Cracks Can Lead to Costly Structural Damage
Neglecting to address hairline cracks in structures can escalate into significant structural damage, resulting in expensive repairs and potential safety hazards. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent the propagation of these fissures, ensuring the longevity and integrity of buildings and infrastructure. Below are some major problems you could face if you neglect these cracks.
Water Ingress
Water ingress is one of the most crucial problems caused by unchecked cracks. When water enters a building through cracks, it can cause a variety of problems, including, mould, corrosion and structural damage.
Structural Instability
Unrestrained cracks can also lead to structural instability. Over time, cracks can become larger and more numerous, which can weaken the structural integrity of a building. This can increase the risk of collapse, especially in the event of an earthquake or other overwhelming disaster.
Loss of Property Value
Potential buyers are likely to be concerned about the presence of cracks, and this can make it difficult to sell a property at a fair price. So, why don’t you conduct a professional non-destructive crack detection to prevent the potential?
Increased Maintenance Costs
Another considerable problem of having minor to severe cracks on walls is increased maintenance costs. Water ingress can cause damage to finishes and fixtures, which can be expensive to repair or replace. In addition, structural instability can require costly repairs or even reconstruction.
Ensure the Building’s Safety with Professional Crack Inspection
Cracks inspection for buildings are a common occurrence, but they can also be a serious safety hazard if left unchecked. Professional crack inspection services at Paramountbuilt can help to identify and assess the severity of cracks and recommend appropriate repair or mitigation measures. There are several types of cracks, our surveyors can deal with:
Surface Cracks
1
Surface cracks are the most common type of crack found in buildings. While surface cracks may not pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of the building, they can still be unsightly and may lead to further damage if left untreated. Our experts will carefully examine your building’s exterior and interior surfaces to identify and assess the severity of any surface cracks.
Shrinkage Cracks
2
2
Shrinkage cracks Inspection are caused by the drying and shrinking of building materials, such as concrete and mortar. These cracks are typically small and superficial, but they can become larger over time if not addressed. Our inspection services will evaluate the extent of shrinkage cracks and recommend appropriate remedial measures.
Settlement Cracks
3
Settlement cracks occur when the foundation of a building settles unevenly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor soil conditions, overloading, or vibration. Settlement cracks can be a serious problem, as they can lead to structural damage and even collapse. Our team will conduct a thorough inspection of your building’s foundation to identify any signs of settlement and provide expert recommendations.
Non-Structural Cracks
4
4
Non-structural cracks are cracks that do not pose a threat to the structural integrity of a building. These cracks are typically caused by minor settlement or shrinkage, or by the expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature changes. Our inspection services will evaluate non-structural cracks and recommend appropriate repair options.
Mortar Crack
5
Mortar cracks are cracks that occur in the mortar between bricks or blocks. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor-quality mortar, excessive moisture, or settlement. Our experts will assess the condition of mortar joints and recommend necessary repairs or repointing.
Vertical Cracks
6
6
These cracks run vertically along the walls of a building. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including settlement, foundation problems, or structural defects. Vertical cracks can be a sign of serious structural damage and should be inspected by a qualified professional. Our experienced inspectors will carefully examine your building’s walls and ceilings for vertical cracks, assessing their severity and potential causes.
7
Horizontal Cracks
These run horizontally along the walls or ceiling of a building. Our team of chartered inspectors will carefully examine your building for horizontal cracks, evaluating their extent and potential causes.
Diagonal Cracks
8
8
Diagonal cracks are cracks that run diagonally across the walls of a building. Our experienced inspectors will identify and assess diagonal cracks, providing expert recommendations for repair or reinforcement.
Structural Cracking
9
Structural cracking is a serious problem that can lead to the collapse of a building. Structural cracks are typically caused by foundation problems, settlement, or structural defects. If you suspect that your building may have structural cracking, Our professional inspection services will identify and assess structural cracks, providing expert recommendations for repair or reinforcement.
Testimonials
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Why Choose Us
Don’t wait until a problem becomes a crisis. Schedule a professional crack inspection today with Paramountbuilt to ensure the safety and longevity of your building. Our experienced team of chartered surveyors and Inspectors is committed to providing comprehensive and reliable inspection services
New House Settling Cracks
New houses often experience some degree of settlement as the building materials settle into place. This can cause minor cracks to appear in the walls and ceilings. However, if the cracks are large or if the building is showing other signs of distress.
Magnetic Crack Detection
Our RICS-certified experts will address your hidden cracks by employing Magnetic crack detection techniques which is a non-destructive testing method, that uses magnetic fields to detect cracks in ferromagnetic materials.
Ultrasonic Crack Detection
Ultrasonic crack detection is a non-destructive testing method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect and locate cracks in materials.
Expert structural designs & building regulation drawings
If you notice any type of severe structural issues in your existing building, trust Paramountbuilt quality craftmanship. Along with the survey & inspection, we are passionate to help you with all your other structural issues to bring you at ease.
Case Study
Phillip was a local business owner who approached Paramountbuilt to renovate their commercial flat into a workplace in Lancaster, UK. The goal was to create a functional workspace that would attract potential clients and also enhance the company’s professional image.
Our Approach:
Initial Assessment:
Our team conducted a preliminary visual inspection to identify the location, size, and orientation of the cracks.
Non-Destructive Testing:
To delve deeper into the underlying causes of the cracks, we employed non-destructive testing techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT) and infrared thermography (IRT). These methods allowed us to assess the internal structure of the building without causing any damage.
Root Cause Analysis:
Based on the findings from our cracks inspections, we conducted a comprehensive root cause analysis to determine the underlying factors contributing to the cracks. This included assessing factors such as foundation movement, settlement, material defects, or external loads.
Expert Consultation:
If necessary, we collaborated with structural engineers or other specialists to provide additional insights and recommendations.
Detailed Report:
Upon completion of our inspections and analysis, we prepared a detailed written report outlining our findings, recommendations, and potential remedial measures.
Wilson, a property owner in London, was experiencing concerns about the structural integrity of their building. They noticed visible cracks in the walls and were worried about potential safety hazards.
Wilson (Paramountbuilt)
Challenge: Wilson, a property owner in London, was experiencing concerns about the structural integrity of their building. They noticed visible cracks in the walls and were worried about potential safety hazards.
Paramountbuilt Solution: Paramountbuilt, a leading provider of building survey and inspection services, was engaged to conduct a thorough crack inspection of Wilson’s property. Our RICS-certified team of experts, equipped with modern equipment and extensive knowledge in structural engineering, was deployed to assess the extent and severity of the cracks.
Client Satisfaction:
By providing a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the crack inspection, Paramountbuilt was able to alleviate Wilson’s concerns and provide them with the information needed to make informed decisions. Our RICS-certified team’s expertise and professionalism ensured that the client felt confident in our findings and recommendations.
FAQ’S
Cracks in buildings are typically caused by structural movement, such as foundation settlement, thermal expansion and contraction, or changes in moisture levels. Other factors include poor construction practices, material fatigue, or external stresses like seismic activity or heavy loads.
Cracks in buildings are diagnosed through a detailed inspection by a structural engineer, who assesses the crack’s size, pattern, location, and depth to determine the cause. Advanced techniques like thermal imaging, moisture testing, and structural load analysis may also be used to identify underlying issues such as foundation movement, material fatigue, or environmental factors.
During a crack inspection, structural engineers typically use tools such as crack width gauges to measure the size and progression of cracks, magnifying glasses for detailed analysis, and moisture meters to assess potential water damage. Advanced techniques may also involve laser scanners or ultrasonic testing equipment to evaluate structural integrity more comprehensively.
Cracks in houses often appear due to structural movement caused by factors such as soil settlement, temperature fluctuations, or moisture changes. Poor construction techniques, inadequate foundations, or natural wear and tear over time can also contribute to cracking.
Yes, a crack inspection can help protect against future cracks by identifying underlying structural issues early, such as foundation movement or material weaknesses. Addressing these problems promptly prevents further damage and ensures the long-term stability of the structure.
Crack inspection is essential to identify structural weaknesses and prevent potential safety hazards in a building. It helps determine the root cause, assess the severity, and implement timely repairs to maintain the structural integrity and longevity of the property.