Advice re Bay Window

[ElinorRigby]

I think I finally have to tackle a problem I have been vaguely aware of for years. It's the front room of an 1901 terrace and I've discovered there is a name - differential movement. There are cracks on the ceiling above the bay window. Cracks on the window sill. (Newish double glazed window) A gap opening up between the skirting board and the wall underneath the bay. (V draughty) Also some mould on the wall.) Repointing the external brickwork hasn't worked, though we could do more by putting some waterproof masonry paint on outside.

Any recommendations> Underpinning appears to be expensive. There are also companies that offer alternatives - types of stabilisation? I'd just be interested to know how others have tackled the problem. (I live in the West Midlands, if anyone wants to make specific recommendations.)

[wowfudge]

I wonder if the window and frame which were removed were partly structural? It was common for that to be the case. The newish window is not providing the support it should be. Get a structural engineer - preferably local with knowledge of the kinds of houses built in the area - to take a look and advise.

[ElinorRigby]

Thanks, I think there was some damp picked up before we moved in - this is going back almost twenty years - and there was some ineffective remedial work. There were sash windows originally. So the problems may predate the double glazing

But that's good advice. Thanks.

[JT05]

I'd say get a structural engineers survey. Is it just a bay on the ground floor or on both floors?
Some bays from that era ( we have one on both floors ) were constructed from a wooden framework with plaster and brick facings. These types generally do not have brick pillars between the window frames.

Putting in new windows could have displaced the framework.

[ElinorRigby]

Just the ground floor.

Any idea what the initial survey might cost - if it's just relating a specific part of the house i.e. - one room at the front.

Have done a Google search and found someone in my area, who has positive reviews.

Thanks.