Article · Structural defects
Cracks in walls: dangerous or not, and what to do
Not every crack is an emergency, but not every one can be ignored either. We explain how to tell a safe crack from a dangerous one and when an inspection is needed.
A crack in a wall is a signal that forces have been redistributed in the structure or that a deformation has occurred. Some cracks appear once and stop growing; others show that the building is still deforming and its load-bearing capacity is in question. Telling which case is yours by eye is hard — but there are signs by which you can assess the urgency.
Types of cracks and what they mean
Shrinkage and temperature cracks. Thin, up to 0.5 mm, most often in plaster and at material joints. Usually not dangerous, but worth monitoring.
Settlement cracks. Caused by uneven settlement of the foundation. Often diagonal, widening towards the top or bottom, running through load-bearing walls. Require an inspection.
Force cracks (from overloading). In piers, lintels and floor-slab bearing zones. A sign that the structure is overloaded — for example, after a redevelopment or floor addition. Dangerous.
Corrosion cracks. Along reinforcement in reinforced concrete, with rust stains. They indicate destruction of the protective layer and reduced load-bearing capacity.
Signs that a crack is dangerous
You should be on guard and order an inspection if at least one of the following is present:
The opening width is more than 1–2 mm and growing; the crack runs diagonally or through a load-bearing wall; door and window openings are becoming skewed; floors are subsiding and walls are deviating from vertical; the crack “breathes” — opening and closing.
To find out whether a crack is growing, beacons are placed on it (plaster or paper markers across the crack). If a beacon breaks, the deformation is continuing — grounds for an urgent inspection.
What to do, step by step
Don't seal the crack straight away — first record its condition (photo, width measurement, beacon installation).
Monitor for a few weeks if the condition is not an emergency; if it is growing fast, contact specialists without delay.
Order a technical inspection: specialists will determine the cause, assess the load-bearing capacity and give recommendations.
Fix the defect according to the report — sometimes injection is enough, sometimes strengthening of structures is required.
How a crack inspection works
KAZNICEP LLP carries out an instrumental inspection: examination and photo evidence, measurement of crack openings, determination of material strength and, where needed, verification calculations of load-bearing capacity and an assessment of seismic resistance. The result is a technical report with the cause of the cracks and strengthening recommendations — a document suitable for approvals and for designing strengthening works.
The cost of an inspection is from 200,000 KZT and the timeline is 1 to 6 weeks depending on the property. More about the service is on the Load-bearing walls, cracks, strengthening page. If the building is in Almaty and there is a seismic question — see the Seismic assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Which cracks in a wall are dangerous?
Dangerous cracks are those wider than 1–2 mm that keep growing, run diagonally or through load-bearing elements (piers, lintels, floor-slab bearing nodes), as well as cracks with skewed openings and structures deviating from vertical. This is a sign of settlement or force deformations — an inspection is needed.
What causes cracks in a building?
The main causes: uneven settlement of the base and foundations, overloading of structures (including after a redevelopment or floor addition), temperature-and-shrinkage deformations, corrosion of reinforcement and material wear, and seismic actions. The exact cause is established by an instrumental inspection.
When do cracks call for a technical inspection?
An inspection is needed if cracks run through load-bearing walls, widen over time, cause skewed openings and subsidence, and also before a redevelopment, reconstruction or transaction. The inspection determines the cause, assesses the load-bearing capacity and gives strengthening recommendations.
How much does a crack inspection cost and how long does it take?
The cost of a technical inspection starts from 200,000 KZT and depends on the floor area, number of storeys and volume of instrumental work. The timeline is 1 to 6 weeks. An exact price is given after an inspection and clarification of the task for the property.
Load-bearing walls,
cracks, strengthening
We will determine the cause of the cracks, assess the real danger and give strengthening recommendations.