When to repair cracks in cob

[julesbuckingham]

We have been experiencing subsidence since the dry summer of '03 and finally after monitoring and testing, trees were identified as the cause and were chopped down. The insurance company are now saying that they want to get the cracks repaired asap.
My concern is that the cracks have always been at their widest ( 3") in Oct. following the dryness and heat of the summer and therefore wander if it would make more sense to carry out the work then?
Would welcome opinions!
Jules[/b]

 

[Gervase]

I'm no cob expert, but that would seem to me to be a sensible course.
Would it not be possible to get the insurance company to pay for the repair now and actually to have it carried out in October?
If you intend doing it yourself, that would be simple, but if you are having to employ someone, make sure they're reputable before handing over any money. Sadly there are more than a few people around who would gladly take your money and then be remarkably scarce when the time comes to do the work in five months' time.

 

[Ian Bond]

When the ground recovers moisture, the cracks should close somewhat, maybe completely but that cannot happen if they've been filled.

You'll always get some movement, the trees may have worsened it if they were big, thirsty and close to the house.

What've they specified as the repair material?

 

[Ian Bond]

I should add - have the cracks actually closed up at all since the trees were chopped down, or have they just stopped widening.

How's the 'drought' situation in your area?

 

[Ian Bond]

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/movement/movement.htm

The Building Research Establishment offers some guidance on the seriousness of crack-widths but this must be used circumspectly. Cracks should be examined to determine their cause, not rigidly filled in to see if they reappear, as this may restrict cyclical movement causing the problem to escalate. Careful examination can reveal the direction of movement, and whether movement is ongoing.

 

[julesbuckingham]

The cracks have not changed - but then it has only been 2 weeks.
The insurance company have not come up with details of work. Plan to dicusss when surveyor calls.
Here in the South/west we are not on restrictions yet, but up until today, rain has been scarce and water restrictions are likely.