Is my crack serious?
Is my crack serious? Some cracks are cosmetic, and not every crack needs underpinning.
Others point to footings moving. An engineer checks the structure to tell which.
Wall cracks worth a closer look
- Cracks in walls that keep growing
- Doors or windows starting to stick
- Floors starting to slope
- Gaps opening at cornices
What to do next
Take photos so you can compare over time.
Then use the form to start a Free Crack Check. We explain how to share the photos when we reply.
Why Adelaide homes move
Adelaide's older inner, eastern and north-eastern suburbs sit on highly reactive clay.
In the eastern suburbs, it is known locally as Bay of Biscay soil. It shrinks a lot in dry spells and swells after heavy rain.
Many Adelaide homes are solid masonry, meaning stone or brick, on dwarf wall footings or raft slabs. Older homes are more affected.
Here's how it goes
- Share a few crack photos, about 2 minutes.
- You'll hear from us within 30 minutes.
- Often, a quick photo check shows if it looks cosmetic or needs a closer look.
- An engineer if needed, then a clear price in writing.
- We book a time that suits your plans and get the work done.
More help with your next step
Questions homeowners ask
Is my crack serious?
Some cracks are cosmetic. Not every crack needs underpinning.
Start with the form. When we reply, we'll explain how to share photos. We'll tell you if it looks cosmetic or needs an engineer to take a look.
Photos can't tell us what the footings are doing. An engineer checks the structure.
Do I need an engineer?
If the cracks point to footing movement, yes. An engineer checks the structure and designs the fix.
Industry reports note fault lines under parts of Adelaide, including around Burnside, Hope Valley, Clarendon and Crafers.
We look at your home rather than guessing the cause from its suburb.
We look after that as part of the job, so you deal with one team the whole way.
Why do so many Adelaide homes crack?
Adelaide's older inner, eastern and north-eastern suburbs sit on highly reactive clay.
In the eastern suburbs, it is known locally as Bay of Biscay soil. It shrinks a lot in dry spells and swells after heavy rain.
Many Adelaide homes are solid stone or brick on dwarf wall footings or raft slabs. Older homes are more affected.
Can trees cause cracks?
Trees can dry the soil out near a home.
The engineer will check whether trees are playing a part at your place.
Will the cracks close up after underpinning?
Underpinning deals with the footings. It isn't a promise that every crack will close on its own.
Any crack repairs or making good should be included in the work you agree to.
Will my insurance cover it?
Every policy is different, so check with your insurer.
Our fixed written price sets out the work, which you can share with them.
Get a fast quote
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes.
When we reply, we'll explain how to share photos of the cracks.