Why might there be cracks in my wall?

Hairline cracks

Often less than 1mm wide, these cracks are very thin and can be caused by various reasons. Although they may not be a cause for immediate concern, it’s important to understand the cause of the crack.

Vertical cracks 

You’d see these types of cracks running up and down the wall. These cracks may be related to the wall getting bigger or smaller from temperature changes. You might also notice them between the house and it’s extension. 

Horizontal cracks 

You’ll see these type of cracks running horizontally across the wall, but there are a variety of reasons for them appearing inside or outside of the house. Generally, these cracks aren’t related to foundation movement or subsidence.

Diagonal cracks 

It’s possible that diagonal cracks, which run on an angle, may be associated with foundation movements. It would be useful to check if the crack is wider at one end compared to the other end. If it’s wider at the top (and narrower at the bottom), it may indicate downward movement of the foundation, which could be a structural issue.

Cracks in plaster 

Cracks in your plaster may show up from the natural shrinking of plaster when it dries. Normally, these aren’t a cause for concern.

Cracks in ceilings

From the age of your home to foundation problems, water damage, or problems with the drywall, there are many potential reasons for cracks in the ceiling. These cracks might also appear if the floor above the ceiling is too heavy or there’s moisture damage. 

 

1. Stay calm. It can be distressing to find cracks around your home but try not to jump to any conclusions. “Most homes have cracks” says Aviva’s Head of Claims (Major & Complex Property) Louise Winter “and in the majority of cases, it’s nothing to worry about.”  
2. Figure out what type of cracks you’re dealing with. Check where they appear (wall, ceiling, plaster), in which direction they’re heading (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) and their width. Hairline cracks, for example, might not be a cause for immediate concern. Rather, you might simply need to keep an eye on them over time. 
3. Document the cracks. This means, taking pictures and measuring how long and wide they are. This way, you can track any changes over time and give useful information to professionals if needed. It's important to deal with these problems sooner rather than later to prevent further damage. 
4. Get advice. If you’re concerned about the cause of the cracking, you may want to speak with your insurance company who may be best placed to give you advice on next steps. 

If there’s a crack on the inside of the wall that’s mirrored on the outside, then it’s likely indicating movement in your foundation. If the cracking is around an opening, like a window or door (or these don’t close properly), this could show movement of the foundations. If the crack grows suddenly or rapidly, you’ll want to have this checked out sooner rather than later.  

Cracks that meet these three characteristics might need immediate action. They could suggest structural issues or movement of the foundation. 

Most home insurance policies don’t cover cracks caused by general wear and tear or poor construction. Homes need regular maintenance, or looking after, and that’s not something that insurance companies cover. So, regular maintenance is essential.

Generally, home insurance policies cover damage that’s caused by unexpected events, like storms, high winds, hail or impact damage. And most insurance policies give coverage on damage caused by subsidence, but they may carry a higher excess. Make sure to check your policy carefully to understand what’s covered.