When it comes to keeping your home in optimal conditions, it is essential to be able to identify and understand the differences between different types of structural damage, many people talk about cracks when it is really a crack. In this article we want to tell you the difference between them and how Revicasa's registered architects differentiate them in the home inspections we do.
At Revicasa, we understand the importance of teaching our clients about these issues and how our home inspections can be an invaluable tool in this process.
Cracks in the wall
Cracks are fine, shallow cracks that can appear in the surface layer of a wall. They are often the result of temperature changes, lack of cohesion of some material or other non-serious problem.
A crack is called a crack that does not determine a structural pathology, but is a finishing crack, therefore it is not a concern for the safety of the inhabitants of the house.
At Revicasa, our inspectors, who are registered architects with on-site experience, are trained to identify these cracks, assess their nature and provide recommendations on how to repair them and prevent their recurrence.
To assess the cause of the crack, our home inspectors consider several factors, such as size, location, direction and depth. Once the architect determines the cause, he reflects it in the inspection report that is delivered to the client.

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Cracks in the wall
On the other hand, cracks are more significant and may indicate problems in the structure of the house. Cracks can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal, and can extend along the entire wall. Depending on where the crack is located, whether it is in the wall or in a wall, we should give more importance to it. For example, a diagonal crack in the bearing wall of a house may indicate a differential settlement of the foundation and depending on the area we can determine which footing or which foundation is the one that has sunk. At Revicasa, we understand that cracks can be a cause for concern for our clients, as they are often indicative of underlying structural problems in the building's foundation.
Our home inspection service is designed so that an architect can solve the doubt of whether that crack in the house you are going to buy is a crack or a crack.
How can they affect structurally?
Both cracks and crevices can affect the integrity of a house if not properly addressed. Cracks can allow moisture to enter the building element or grow due to temperature changes, which can cause additional damage, such as deterioration of building materials or mold growth. Cracks, especially active cracks, can compromise the stability of the structure and endanger the safety of the occupants.
It is important to address these structural problems in a timely and appropriate manner to prevent further damage and costly repairs in the future. At Revicasa, our inspectors are trained to identify and evaluate structural problems in a property and provide specific recommendations to effectively address them.
And that is why all our inspectors are architects because in Spain they are the only professionals qualified to determine the causes of structural problems in dwellings.
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Conclusions
In short, at Revicasa, we understand that cracks and crevices in walls can be a cause for concern for homeowners. Our thorough and detailed home inspections can help our clients identify, understand and address these issues effectively, providing peace of mind and confidence in the integrity of their home. Don't underestimate the importance of a professional home inspection; it's the key to making a safe and secure purchase with peace of mind.