Are cracks in walls normal?

In the UAE climate, yes—to an extent. Small, hairline cracks in the plaster or render are often caused by the extreme temperature differences between summer and winter, which cause building materials to expand and contract. These are usually cosmetic.

However, structural cracks caused by the ground sinking beneath your villa (subsidence) look different. These need immediate attention to prevent costly damage.

A hairline crack in an internal home wall

Hairline Cracks in Plaster

Thin, fine cracks (less than 1mm wide) that run straight up and down, often found in the plaster, fften due to thermal expansion/contraction in the summer heat or minor shrinkage of the plaster when the villa was first built. As long as they don't grow, these hairline cracks in plaster are usually not a cause for concern.

Ground settlement caused cracking marked on a tile wall in a villa. Crack measuring monitor attached to the wall.

Vertical Cracks

Cracks that run straight up and down a wall often align with the seams of plasterboard. These can be caused by poor taping during construction and are generally not a structural issue. However, if a vertical crack is wide or continues to grow, it's worth getting it checked.

Horizontal crack in villa wall - internal cracking across tiling

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks in walls can be more serious. A horizontal crack could indicate a problem with the foundation or, in some cases, a sign of moisture damage causing the wall studs to bow. These should always be inspected by a professional.

Boundary wall with ground settlement diagonal cracking

Diagonal Subsidence Cracks

This is the classic sign of structural movement and subsidence. Diagonal cracks often appear suddenly, running out from the corners of windows and doors.

They are typically wider at one end and may look like a 'stair-step' pattern in brickwork. If you see a diagonal crack in an internal or external wall, it is a strong signal that your home's foundation may be moving.

Close up view of exterior home wall crack with crack measuring meter attached.

A 5-Point Checklist

How diagnose a subsidence crack

It's time to call an expert for a professional opinion if you notice any of the following:

Is the crack is wider than a 1 Dirham coin (approx. 3mm)?

Is the crack diagonal and look like a stair-step in your brickwork?

Is the crack is visible on both the inside and outside of your home?

Do you have multiple cracks appearing?

Are there other signs of movement, such as sticking doors, sloping floors, or gaps appearing around skirting boards?

The Next Step

Getting a clear diagnosis

If you recognise any of the warning signs above, don't panic. The next step is to get a professional diagnosis to understand the root cause. Geobear are the experts in investigating and solving issues related to ground movement. We can give you a clear answer and, if needed, provide a fast, non-disruptive solution to get your home back on solid ground.

Get in touch with an expert

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Subsidence or settlement cracks are typically diagonal, often looking like a 'stair-step' in brick or blockwork.

They are usually wider at the top than the bottom and tend to appear around weaker structural points like doors and windows.

A key warning sign is seeing the same crack on the outside wall.

You should seek an expert opinion if a crack is wider than a 1 Dirham coin (approx. 3mm), is growing, or is diagonal.

If the crack appears alongside other signs like sticking doors, sloping floors, or skirting boards pulling away from the wall, it is a strong indicator of a potential structural issue.

In most cases, no. Fine hairline cracks in plaster are very common and are usually caused by the plaster drying or minor seasonal expansion and contraction of the building.

As long as they are not growing or accompanied by the other warning signs, they are typically just a cosmetic issue.

The best first step is to get a professional diagnosis to understand the true cause of the crack.

Contact the Geobear team for a consultation.

We can help you understand what's happening and recommend the right solution to give you peace of mind.

Find out for sure

Worrying about wall cracks is stressful. The best way to get peace of mind is with an expert opinion. Our team can conduct a professional site assessment to identify the cause of the cracks and give you a clear, straightforward report on the health of your property.

Contact an expert
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