DOT Signs You Have a Structural Problem
Not every crack means subsidence, and not every sticking door means the house is falling down. Here’s what’s actually worth worrying about.
Where should I look for signs of a structural problem?
Cracks around windows
Diagonal cracks running from the corners of window frames.
Cracks around doors
Similar diagonal cracking near door frames, often with doors that stick.
Stepped cracks in brickwork
Cracks that follow the mortar lines in a "staircase" pattern.
Cracks at the base of walls
Often linked to foundation movement or ground shrinkage.
Bulging or leaning walls
A wall that’s visibly out of true, especially at the corners.
Gaps at the roofline
Separation between the roof and the main wall structure.
How wide does a crack have to be to worry about?
Crack width is one of the clearest indicators structural engineers use.
Usually cosmetic. Common in most homes and typically nothing to worry about.
Worth keeping an eye on. Mention it to us at a site visit.
Get it checked by a structural engineer, especially if it’s growing.
Contact a structural engineer promptly — especially if doors or windows are affected too.
What causes structural cracks?
Most subsidence is historic, not active — older properties often show old movement that stopped years ago. A structural engineer can usually tell the difference from the crack pattern and a site visit.
What should I do if I’m worried about a crack?
Don’t just leave it and hope. Do something about it, even if that turns out to be nothing.
- Give us a ring. We’ll come out and have a look for free, especially if you’re already thinking about having work done.
- We’ll see if we can spot the cause. Plenty of cracks are nothing to worry about, and we’ll tell you straight if that’s the case.
- If it’s worth checking properly, we’ll suggest a structural engineer. They can tell you exactly what’s going on and what, if anything, needs doing. We work with one regularly, or you can use your own.
Explore further
Seeing any of these signs?
We’ll come out and have a look for free, and tell you if it’s worth getting a structural engineer in.