19/06/2026
Thomas Consulting inspected an end-terrace property in Morecambe to advise on the causes of crack damage in the Party Wall in the roof void. The damage included stepped diagonal cracking, tapering in width.
We advised the Client that the damage is associated with historical moisture related shrink/ swell movement in the early life of the property.
Concrete Blockwork shrinks in early life due to a loss of absorbed moisture in the aggregate. Conversely, Clay Bricks are fired in a kiln during manufacture and leave the factory oven dry. The brickwork swells in early life due to water absorption.
Due to an unusually short return arrangement in the front elevation of the property and a stepped roof detail across the party wall line, whilst the main body of the party wall is constructed in blockwork, the ends are formed by Clay Brickwork.
The differential swell/ shrinkage movement has resulted in differential vertical movement within the party wall, causing the reported crack damage.
If you are concerned about cracking in your house, please contact Thomas Consulting via our website ⬇️ https://thomasconsulting.co.uk/careers/