Could Wall Cracks Be Simple Wear and Tear or a Sign of Something Else?

If you live in an older building, you may be used to its look and feel. You may understand that as it has been around for such a long time, you may need to deal with its subtle nuances. Yet that doesn't mean that you should just put up with any imperfections as they start to appear and put these down to the passage of time. Why is it important to take action whenever you notice these defects, and how can inaction or apathy lead to higher costs down the road?

Nothing to Worry About

If you've noticed that small cracks have started to appear inside boundary walls or in other key load-bearing areas, you may put this down to "settling." You might justify these cracks due to the age of the building and may even attempt to fix them using various handyman solutions.

Possible Subsidence

However, if you notice that those cracks have started to reappear, you should certainly pause for a moment. It is possible that you are having to deal with subsidence and that your foundations are under pressure from below. In this case, those cracks could get much larger and cause even more damage.

Potential Health Risks

You should also be aware of health risks. Your building may contain asbestos as it was probably in widespread use when it was initially constructed. This hazardous material can be found in floors, walls, ceilings and roofs, so you must be wary whenever those cracks appear.

In the worst-case scenario, those cracks could even allow microscopic particles of asbestos to break free from the original location. This would certainly be a health hazard and is not something you want to risk.

Small Becomes Large

Above all else, remember that even the smallest defect can take some time to fix correctly. While you may think it'll only take some filler and a coat of paint, this may not be the case. And remember, those minor defects can easily escalate into major problems, and you won't be able to classify these as simple wear and tear anymore.

Bringing in an Inspector

You should bring in a building inspection service at the first signs of any issue. They'll know what to look for and be aware of potential hazards you may not have thought about. Crucially, they will devise a plan and help you put it in place. You'll then be able to look after your building correctly and safeguard the money that you have invested in it.