In a solid brick house, what indicates corner settlement?

In a solid brick house, what indicates corner settlement?

• A. Step cracks at an exterior corner
• B. A pair of angled cracks above the corner window
• C. Deteriorating mortar at the corner
• D. Spalling on the bricks at the corner

Answer: (A)

Step cracks at an exterior corner indicate corner settlement because they are a common structural symptom that occurs when a foundation settles unequally. In a solid brick house, as the foundation shifts or settles, it can cause the corners of the structure to move at different rates. This movement leads to step cracks, which typically appear as a zigzag pattern along mortar joints in the brickwork at the corners of the house. Such cracking generally signifies that there is a problem with the stability of the foundation or the surrounding soil. Monitoring these step cracks is important, as they can indicate the extent of movement and potential issues that may need further investigation. Understanding the relationship between corner settlement and step cracks is crucial for identifying underlying foundation problems and determining the necessary corrective actions.

Step cracks at an exterior corner indicate corner settlement because they are a common structural symptom that occurs when a foundation settles unequally. In a solid brick house, as the foundation shifts or settles, it can cause the corners of the structure to move at different rates. This movement leads to step cracks, which typically appear as a zigzag pattern along mortar joints in the brickwork at the corners of the house.

Such cracking generally signifies that there is a problem with the stability of the foundation or the surrounding soil. Monitoring these step cracks is important, as they can indicate the extent of movement and potential issues that may need further investigation. Understanding the relationship between corner settlement and step cracks is crucial for identifying underlying foundation problems and determining the necessary corrective actions.