Cracks in ceiling - need a structural engineer

[Florries]

We have had some pretty serious cracks in our ceiling. The whole town in build on clay and after the long, dry summer and now the very wet weather. We weren't too worried when the cracks became more prominent.

However. They just keep getting worse. They're really substantial cracks that look as if they are running along the beams. Also one side of the cracked ceiling is now power than the other.

We asked a structural engineer to come and take a look to tell us if it's just cosmetic or more serious but they quoted us £460 just to have a look!!

Can't really afford that and any work that needs doing we would claim on insurance of possible.

Can anyone give me any advice or been through simelar?

I've not been through similar, but don't you usually just call your insurance company who will arrange for a surveyor to come around and inspect the cracks? I don't think you need to pay for somebody yourself

What type of ceiling is it? If there are issues with subsidence then I would expect to see cracking in the walls as well.

i'd bite the bullet and get them in - better sort it sooner than later

Thanks for the replies. Good point, Lava. If we call the insurance company to look at them, will it put our no claims up if they turn out to just be cosmetic?

Well, one way or another, you need to get it checked.

How long have you been in the house? how old is the house? Have you had any work done in the last 12 months?

Can you see any evidence of cracks on the outside of the house? Especially around windows and doors?

how old is the house?

how cracked are the walls?

post some photos

Ask your neighbours. Some of them will have been through the same thing.

They insurance will want to send their own surveyor so it could be wasted money instructing your own.

Heard this was a big problem in places during that really hot summer in the late 70s! Good luck.