DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

New build, completed Sept05, internal and external cavity walls with Celcon blocks on concrete blocks below dpc - metre deep footings on sand/greensand site.

Have noticed vertical cracks externally and corresponding internally - ie cracked blocks inside and outside beneath quite large pvc casement windows. However, no diagonal cracking at the corners of windows. External rendered - internal plastered.

No cracks beneath these below DPC where Celcon meets the concrete blocked footings.

Keep being told "Just shrinkage" - but inside and outside, same locations - each about 2 metres from same corner?

Any advice very welcome, thanks.

is it plaster or blocks that have crack new build do have some settlement time!
Kb

[quote="kbrownie"]is it plaster or blocks that have crack new build do have some settlement time!
Kb[/quote]

The blocks have cracked - have cut back the render on outside and plaster on inside and the cracking is clearly visible in the blocks - sometimes down the mortar line but then across the blocks themselves. Someone has said this is normal - but will it ever stop happening?

If the problem is settlement, this does happen in new builds and will stop.
KB

[quote="kbrownie"]If the problem is settlement, this does happen in new builds and will stop.
KB[/quote]

Thanks for the reassurance - will keep an eye on it. :)