Crack under Purlin

[Antno_23]

Hi there,

 

I'm selling a house and the buyers building survey has highlighted a crack in the brick work below the purlin. They now want to come back to measure the roof space to pass this information on to a structural engineer. Was hoping someone could let me know their opinions on how worried I should be!

[MikeGrahamT21]

Doesn't look like a crack caused by the purlin, otherwise it would eminate from the point of the corner of the timber, though its hard to see with the cobweb. Looks like a poorly cut block unless anyone knows better.

 

I shouldn't think anything would come back from the SE to cause any worry on either party, and if it does, looks like you've got another load bearing wall available, which you could build up to also support the purlin very easily.

[Antno_23]

1 hour ago, MikeGrahamT21 said:

Doesn't look like a crack caused by the purlin, otherwise it would eminate from the point of the corner of the timber, though its hard to see with the cobweb. Looks like a poorly cut block unless anyone knows better.

 

I shouldn't think anything would come back from the SE to cause any worry on either party, and if it does, looks like you've got another load bearing wall available, which you could build up to also support the purlin very easily.

 

Thanks Mike that was my initial thought tbh I was thinking a relatively small job of a brick work fix but good to have a another opinion 

[Dave Jones]

just a cut block, the one below it looks fine. 

 

probaly caused when the perlin dried out originally, could have been soaked when put in.

[Antno_23]

Thanks Dave. Issue is the buyers surveyor has already identified the issue and is submitting measurements of the roof to their SE. I was trying to understand what the fix would likely be recommended by the SE and the likely reduction in offer from the buyer to complete works, or worst case they pull out due to structural issues! 

[Redbeard]

I had been about to suggest you commission your own SE inspection and report, but then they can treat that as biased if they so wish. I would say let them get their report done, and as @MikeGrahamT21 said:

5 hours ago, MikeGrahamT21 said:

I shouldn't think anything would come back from the SE to cause any worry on either party, and if it does, looks like you've got another load bearing wall available, which you could build up to also support the purlin very easily.

 

So even if they do suggest a reduction it may be relatively small, and more for 'just to be on the safe side' work rather than for serious 'structural stuff'. And if they really want it that isn't going to put them off. I'd just roll with it for now. (If I were 'diagnosing' more the pic I'd really like to see is of the area immediately below the area shown in te pic - so below the mineral wool.

[Antno_23]

Thanks Redbeard that is reassuring, I'll get a pick of the area below and have it uploaded. 

[Antno_23]

It's hard to take a pic of the area below as it's actually the cavity which is exposed. No signs of any cracks or loose mortar though.