Cracking to Brickwork
Over time, hairline cracks in mortar joints are bound to appear, due to thermal expansion and contraction, and weathering. Cracking to brickwork can also be an indication of subsidence if it is severe, and in such cases the cracks will often shear the bricks themselves.
Dampness in Walls
Damp can be caused by several issues, which can combine. The most common causes are rising damp which is found at lower level of the walls, and condensation which can occur on any part of the walls.
Roofs
Older properties were clad with clay tiles or slates originally. Occasionally, when clay tiles are replaced with heavier concrete tiles, this can cause significant problems. For example, sagging can occur where the original timbers and roof structure is not designed to hold the extra weight. Structural roof issues can also be caused by wet rot, dry rot and woodworm to the structural timbers. Non-structural roof issues include roof include missing or broken tiles, and eroded mortar joints at the ridge tiles eroding
Gutters & Downpipes
The most common failures points of gutters and downpipes are at the corners of guttering, joins and rainwater outlets. A blocked gutter can cause damp issues / failure of masonry and can lead to structural issues if left long enough. Old gutters and downpipes may also be corroded.
;Structural Alterations
A lot of residential defects are caused by alterations to the original structure, poor materials or workmanship for example, if a load bearing wall is removed, a proper steel structure design must be used to ensure the load can be taken safely and without fault.
Construction faults
Construction faults can occur during the construction process, even in modern, newly constructed properties. They can be caused by a number of factors including materials and workmanship. Construction deficiencies can lead to a number of problems, including structural damage and water ingress.