mookmookle
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- Thread starter mookmookle
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malcolm
& Clementine the cat
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The outside looks typical of an old house that has been cement rendered. House moves a tiny bit, cracks the render, water gets in but can't get out, water freezes and makes the crack bigger.
What is the context? Are you thinking about buying the house? I would budget for removing the cement render as the bricks will be soaking. Removing the render will likely damage the bricks so re-rendering with lime render might be the best option.
What is the context? Are you thinking about buying the house? I would budget for removing the cement render as the bricks will be soaking. Removing the render will likely damage the bricks so re-rendering with lime render might be the best option.
mookmookle
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Thanks so much- yes we are thinking of buying this property. I think the upstairs has been unoccupied for a while except for one room. I am worried because the cracks seem to mirror internal and external. it is in a rural (welsh) location and seems solid but the amount of cracks very worrying.
Flyfisher
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I'd bet that inside photo was taken in the room behind that outside window photo, making it look a bit more like building movement than simple render failure. Can't be definitive just from those photos though. That large tree looks rather close to the house, could that be a clue?
I thought that at first, FF, but it looks to me like the uncracked wall to the left is an internal partition/ wall, so it probably isn't in that external corner.
If I didn't own that building I certainly wouldn't buy it without a full structural survey.
If I didn't own that building I certainly wouldn't buy it without a full structural survey.
88v8
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Wonder what those mouldings are around the windows. Sold-run or planted?
As far as I can see, all those cracks are horizontal. No nasty zigzags, so not foundation or lintel failure.
I think the cement render guess is correct. Hmm what's under there. Wonder if it was half-timbered and we are seeing shrinkage cracks where the timber sits in the wall.
Plastic windows yuk. Woodwork neglected. Past owner was of the 'can't be bothered' variety.
Depends how cheap it is. How nicely situated it is. Otoh, what else has been covered up by the plastic/cement botchers. How much 'period' is left.
Ivor
As far as I can see, all those cracks are horizontal. No nasty zigzags, so not foundation or lintel failure.
I think the cement render guess is correct. Hmm what's under there. Wonder if it was half-timbered and we are seeing shrinkage cracks where the timber sits in the wall.
Plastic windows yuk. Woodwork neglected. Past owner was of the 'can't be bothered' variety.
Depends how cheap it is. How nicely situated it is. Otoh, what else has been covered up by the plastic/cement botchers. How much 'period' is left.
Ivor
mookmookle
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we have decided to leave it- it was a very old couple in a 6 bedroom house in wales. i think it would cost us too much to renovate and there has been fresh plastering done by the window on the ground floor and first floor near the left baywindow which rings alarm bells. thanks for advice folks!