This hub helps describe observable symptoms and prepare for an assessment. It does not diagnose structural safety from a photo or recommend a cosmetic repair where the cause is unknown.
Signs worth recording
- Leaning, rotation or a change in alignment.
- Bulging, displaced sleepers, blocks, rocks or baskets.
- Cracking, splitting, corrosion, decay or connection failure.
- Soil loss, washout, ponding or persistent seepage.
- Movement in nearby paving, fences, drainage or structures.
Possible causes are not diagnoses
Water, blocked or absent drainage, changed loads, ground movement, inadequate founding, material deterioration, impact and adjacent work can each contribute. More than one condition may be present, and the visible crack is not necessarily the root cause.
Prepare for an assessment
Photograph the whole wall and close details, note when the change appeared, record recent rain or nearby works, measure approximate dimensions and identify what could be affected if movement continues. Avoid standing below or loading a wall that appears unstable.
If movement could endanger people, a building, a road, services or neighbouring property, keep clear and contact the appropriate emergency, authority or qualified professional service.