Brick wall has long crack in it. Engineer, inspector or???

Question

Hi we have a building that I'm managing that has a long thin crack in it.  It could just need some sort of patching. I hope it's not something structural or that in the worst case the wall collapses.

I was wondering if I should have an engineer, inspector or contractor look at it? Does anyone know who I should go to for this? I'm kind of confused

Anyone have recommendations for the LA area

Luis A. · Answer

Bottom line will be an engineer. He is the one truly qualified/trained to asses structural damages.

However an experienced contractor might be able to tell you if you need an engineer...I know, it's a catch 22.

FWIW my experience has been that not all cracks in concrete/masonry are bad and they are actually normal or expected. If you are really concerned about it just go straight to the engineer. It might be a couple hundred bucks to get one out there but then you will know for sure if you have a problem or not and how to fix it.

Heck I bet you can talk to an engineer and he might be willing to look at pictures first and then tell you if further study is needed.

James H. · Answer

Can't tell from those pictures. Since the crack is hardly discernable from the pic, I doubt its a problem. Anyting under 1/8 inch is usually fine. How long has the crack been there? If you are tuly concerned, have an engineer come out and take a look. Shouldn't cost too much, maybe 500 - 1000 bucks.

Terry Portier · Answer

I think it was the computer I was using was blocking images, sorry. I see a huge wall and could see some holes and what looked like cracks. It is hard to tell a root cause without being there and seeing how this wall is supported, where the load that is causing it to crack is coming from. It may be from age, settling, etc.... If it is a non load bearing wall just fill the cracks. If you are looking for a cause and corrective action I will help you what to look for is all I can do from the internet.....

Cracks are always caused by tension load(pulling apart), not compression. If you hold a pencil at both ends and bend it down the upper surface goes into tension, lower compression. So look at how this wall is supported and see if you can determine what would cause tension. Maybe if it is supported by the ground and dirt only, some of the dirt is settling causing the tension. Then you may have to install better foundation for the wall. You get the idea.....

Holes are never good in tension in porous material like brick or concrete and propagate cracks, so fill them with a bonding filler. You can also stop drill cracks at the ends to keep them from spreading.

Will F. · Answer

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/photo10bu.jpg/

i can see the images on here, can you now? Also, I put a direct link here you just have to link to imageshack and scroll right

Will F. · Answer

[URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/195/photo10bu.jpg/][/URL]

[URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/442/photo11is.jpg/][/URL]

[URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/photo12jw.jpg/][/URL]

I hope these pics are good. It's of a wall about 15 feet high and 20 feet across. The crack is about 8-10 feet across in a couple sections.

I have been told by a contractor that they ARE cosmetic and NOT load bearing. But, the bricks can fall out and that is my concern.

Thanks so much for your help.

Terry Portier · Answer

Can you put up the OMG code so the pics will display? Link won't work. I use Photobucket for that. If it is not a load bearing wall just get some repair compound at Home Depot or somewhere, don't worry about it.

I'm in San Diego, you know Whitter prior to an Earthquake forgot the year 1990 had them that practically brought the whole town down to rubble. Now it's again code, brick on a LB wall.

Terry Portier · Answer

I'm a Structures Engineer. Is it on a load bearing wall? Put a pic up.

J Scott · Answer

A structural engineer can ultimately determine what is likely causing the issue, the severity and the remediation required.