Horizontal crack
Along a floor, a wall coping or a ring beam, it may be linked to bending or shrinkage of a floor, rotation at a support, or a defective connection or ring beam. It may also affect only the render.
Crack survey in Avignon
Worried about a crack? Understand it before you repair it
An independent technical inspection to analyse the probable causes and help you decide with full knowledge of the facts.
A crack is not just a visible opening in a wall. It can be a sign of movement in the building, of a problem with the ground or with water, of alterations to the building, or of a phenomenon that is not structural at all.
Send us one or more photographs. They help us understand the situation, identify the first points to watch and decide whether a site visit is justified. This preliminary review is not a remote diagnosis.
First discussion and photo review with no commitment · Written, illustrated report · Visits by appointment.
The main types of crack
Vertical crack
Often at a junction between two materials, at the corner of a building or between a building and its extension. It may result from shrinkage, temperature, moisture or a defective connection.
Stepped crack
It follows the masonry joints and reflects distortion of the wall. It may be associated with differential movement of the building or its ground, although its cause cannot be determined from this alone.
The most common causes in our region
Clay shrink-swell
Clay soils shrink in dry periods and swell when they take up water again. Uneven variations beneath the building cause differential movement and cracks.
Ground or foundation movement
Variable ground, foundations at different depths, backfill, slopes, a partial basement or changes in water conditions: uneven movement puts strain on the masonry.
Design or construction faults
Missing or poorly built ring beams, defective connections, floor behaviour, window and door surrounds, lintels, shrinkage between materials.
Immediate surroundings
Vegetation, water run-off, leaks from underground pipes, topography, earthworks or nearby works can change the behaviour of the ground or the building.
Shrinkage or ageing of materials
Shrinkage of mortar, concrete or render, or ageing of interfaces, can cause cracking. These cases must be distinguished from movement affecting the structure.
How does a crack survey work?
A first discussion
You describe the defects, when they appeared, how they have developed and the history of the building. You can send photographs and documents: plans, invoices, previous reports, insurance claim forms or soil studies.
This first discussion defines the assignment. It does not allow any conclusion on the origin or seriousness of a crack.
The technical visit
The expert examines the visible and accessible parts: location, shape, direction and continuity of the cracks, and related defects. They take the relevant measurements and analyse the construction context, the surroundings, rainwater management, vegetation and the history of works.
No destructive opening-up, foundation trial pit or geotechnical study is carried out in this visual inspection. Where observations are not enough, the report specifies the further investigations required. A drone inspection can complete the examination of inaccessible areas; a thermal camera can look for signs of damp, without determining the origin of a crack on its own.
Monitoring over time, if needed
Where the development of a crack is decisive, gauges or crack monitors are installed or read at set intervals. Measurements and certified photographs establish an objective timeline. This monitoring records measurable change, but is not enough on its own to identify the cause.
The report
Delivered within the time agreed in the engagement letter, it includes the description and location of the defects, measurements and observations, the certified photographic report, an analysis of the context, the compatible technical hypotheses, an assessment of the level of concern and recommendations for monitoring, repairs or further investigations.
Photographic record
A certified photographic record
Findings come with a photographic report produced using the Proov-it® process, which dates, geolocates, secures and certifies the photographs. You keep a precise record of the condition of the building on the day of the inspection.
This is a major asset in a crack case, where development over time is often the central question.
Discover Proov-it →What will the report be used for?
In an insurance claim, the expert appointed by the insurer investigates the causes of the loss and assesses the damage. The DEKTA report is an independent technical document; it does not guarantee that a claim will be accepted or paid, which depends on the policy, the circumstances and the insurer’s position.
Independence
Analysis and advisory assignments without carrying out the recommended works, for an opinion independent of the firms that may do them.
A comprehensive, proportionate analysis
The survey distinguishes what can be observed during the visit from what requires a specialist investigation.
A certified photographic record
Photographs that are dated, geolocated, secured and certified using the Proov-it® process.
Equipment suited to the assignment
Measuring instruments, monitoring gauges, thermal camera or drone inspection depending on needs and access conditions.
How much does a crack survey cost?
The cost is set out in a quote, after a first discussion and a review of the information you send. It depends in particular on the nature and extent of the defects, the size and layout of the building, the number of areas to examine, the documents to analyse, travel, whether gauges need to be installed or read, and whether monitoring over time or a joint meeting with all parties is required.
The first review of the photographs makes it possible to define the assignment and its cost. It is neither a survey nor a final diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
How wide does a crack have to be before it is a concern?
There is no single width that determines seriousness. The opening is one indicator, to be analysed together with the location, shape, apparent depth, development, type of masonry and other defects. A crack along a floor, an opening or a ring beam, or one accompanied by distortion, does not mean the same as cracking limited to the render.
My crack is getting worse: what should I do first?
Photograph it in its general setting, then close up with a ruler or measuring reference. Note the date, the location and any related signs: a door that sticks, cracked tiles, an extension pulling away, water coming in. Avoid filling it before it has been examined, unless a protective measure is essential for safety.
Will my insurance pay for the survey?
The insurer pays for the expert it has appointed. A second opinion from your own expert is in principle at your expense. Some policies, however, include cover for expert fees or legal protection that may pay for all or part of the costs. Check the terms and conditions of your policy before the assignment.
Can I have the crack filled in the meantime?
Filling a crack before it is analysed can hide its shape, continuity and development. It is better to photograph it, measure it and get a technical opinion before any permanent repair. Temporary protection is still possible in the event of water ingress or risk, provided it is proportionate and documented.
Is my house affected by clay shrink-swell?
The Géorisques map shows the level of exposure of the area or plot. This classification is not enough to prove that the cracks come from it. The analysis compares the geological context with the defects observed, the construction method, vegetation, water flow and, if necessary, a geotechnical study. The current version of the zoning must be consulted.
Do you work outside the Vaucluse?
Yes. DEKTA works in the Vaucluse, Gard, Bouches-du-Rhône, Drôme, Hérault and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as in neighbouring départements depending on the nature and location of the assignment.
Worried about a crack?
Contact DEKTA Expertises for a first discussion. After reviewing your situation, we will tell you whether a survey is appropriate and which investigations may need to be considered.