Repointed Masonry Wall Cracks
Repointed Masonry Wall Cracks is a moderate-severity structural defect SURE inspectors have documented across 121 inspection reports.
Causes
- Previous crack development due to settlement or movement, leading to repointing as a repair
- Previous cracking due to settlement or other structural movements
- Past cracking due to settlement or other structural movement
- Possibly due to mortar erosion or ground settlement
- Cracking in masonry due to settlement or movement
Symptoms to look for
- Sections of masonry brick walls have been repointed (mortar inserted into previous cracks)
- Visible repointing (mortar inserted into past cracks) in sections of masonry brick walls
- Sections of masonry brick wall/s above front windows have been repointed
- Visible sections of repointed mortar on brick walls
- Visible repointing (new mortar in old crack lines)
Remedies
- Monitoring advised and if further opening occurs reassessment should be completed.
- If further opening occurs, engage a qualified structural engineer for advice and recommendations
- If further opening occurs, reassessment should be completed (by structural engineer)
- Monitoring advised and if further opening occurs, reassessment should be completed
- If further opening occurs, engage a qualified structural engineer for advice
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
This is common across Perth stock and usually fixable without drama, but the scope of the fix varies. Every SURE inspection includes 12 months of free advice. Call out the defect by name and we check for it directly.
Curated entries in Structural
- Curated 1–5/5External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
Cracks in external masonry walls caused by ground movement or differential settlement of the footing system. Most observations are Category 0–2 under the BCA/AS 2870 scale (hairline to 5mm width) and represent cosmetic or minor structural concern, but a small proportion progress to Category 3–5 where structural engineer involvement is required. The crack pattern, location, and change over time determine whether this is a maintenance item or a structural event.
- Curated 1–4/5Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
Insulation, HVAC ducting, sarking, or stored items in the roof void prevent a complete inspection of ceiling joists and surrounding timbers. Our inspectors record this limitation because the obstructed zone could harbour undetected timber pest activity, moisture damage, or structural defects - none of which can be reported without visual access.
- Curated 1–5/5Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
Insulation, sarking, HVAC ducting, or low clearance in the roof void prevents a complete visual inspection of ceiling joists, top plates, and perimeter timbers. When these areas are inaccessible, our inspectors cannot confirm whether timber pest activity, moisture damage, or structural defects are present - the limitation itself is a finding that the buyer needs to understand.
- Curated 1–5/5Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
Fungal decay (wet rot or dry rot) in fascia and barge boards develops when timber is repeatedly wetted and unable to dry out - typically where paint has failed, where roof drainage is defective, or where the boards are end-grain exposed. Left unchecked it spreads into adjacent framing and rafter tails, converting a cosmetic repair into structural work.
- Curated 1–5/5Patched Wall Cracks
Previously cracked walls that have been patched or filled indicate prior ground movement or settlement. While the cosmetic repair may look sound at the time of inspection, the underlying cause - reactive soil movement, differential settlement, or footing inadequacy - may not have been addressed. Patched cracks that re-open signal ongoing movement and warrant structural assessment under AS 2870.
- Curated 1–5/5Leaning Fence Sections
Fence sections leaning out of plumb indicate post footing failure, material deterioration, or soil movement. A significantly leaning fence poses a safety risk - particularly for children - and will continue to worsen without intervention.