Measuring a crack instead of arguing about it
How an investigation sorts brick veneer cracking by width and cause, from a job near Fraser Rise.
In short: Cracks start arguments because everyone describes them differently. A width in millimetres and a category end that.
The complaint
An owner in Winter Valley had cracking in the brick veneer at the rear of the house and water problems elsewhere on the same property.
Measured, not described
We measured the cracks at 1 to 5 mm, category 2, wide enough to let moisture reach the frame behind.
Looking for the cause
Ponding at a brick pier in the alfresco and weep holes too close to the paving both pointed to water sitting where it should drain away.
What the report says
The location, the width, the category, the likely contributors, and that an engineer should assess whether the movement is ongoing.
What it is not
A tribunal document. If the builder disputes it at VCAT, an expert witness report drawn to the practice note is the next step.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Fraser Rise. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
