Measuring cracks around your home
How to use the Crack Gauge
4 Simple Steps
1. Download the print-at-home Crack Gauge
2. Follow the instructions provided in the PDF and print the Crack Gauge
3. Place the printed Crack Gauge against any visible wall cracks and measure the gaps. You can either use the ruler on the front side of the card or the pre-measured blue shaded areas on the back of the card
4. To assist, we recommend you note the areas of the cracks and take photos of the Crack Gauge lined up against them. When you get in touch, let our customer service representative know and we will provide you with contact details to forward the photos to us
If you need any assistance, feel free to call us on (AU) 1800 623 312 or (NZ) 0800 873 835.
This PDF print document is only compatible with Desktop PCs and may not print to scale from mobiles and other devices
What cracks to worry about
Now that you know what you’re dealing with, you need to understand whether these cracks indicate a structural problem.
Small, hairline cracks are not usually concerning, These are often the result of seasonable expansion and contraction of soils beneath a structure’s foundation.
However, if when you measured the cracks they displayed the following characteristics, it may indicate weakness in your property’s foundation:
- Large cracks that start at windows, doorways or corners of buildings.
- Cracks are wider than 5mm.
- Cracks are jagged, horizontal or vertical, zig-zagged, stepped in brickwork or follow mortar lines.
It‘s important to pay attention to other signs of subsidence, such as:
- Are your floors sinking or sloping?
- Have you got cracks in paths and driveways?
- Windows and doors becoming jammed or misaligned?
- Skirting boards separating from walls?
- Formation of puddles around the perimeter of your home?
