What causes
Cracking around bay windows?
There are several reasons that cracking around bay windows occurs, and this is often due to their original construction.
Bay windows were very popular in Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian houses, and building of the bay was often left until late on in the construction process so that the opening could be used for access.
Georgian properties tended to be built to a high standard with good quality materials, on foundations dug down to solid ground. However, Victorian properties were built faster, with cheaper materials, and the foundations were not always dug deep enough. Because the bay was often built late on, they were sometimes built on separate and less adequate foundations to the rest of the building and were not adequately tied in. This can lead to differential movement where the bay moves, but the rest of the building doesn’t.
This is particularly a problem in areas such as London, where the properties were built on clay soil. Clay soils are more vulnerable to subsidence because the soil shrinks when it is dry. Heave is also a problem because clay soils expand when they are wet.
Common Issues with Bay Windows
Bay windows, while beautiful and full of character, are often vulnerable to structural and cosmetic issues over time. One of the most common problems is movement in the bay itself, which can lead to visible cracks above or below the window. This may be caused by subsidence, insufficient support, or deterioration in the foundations beneath the bay. Timber rot, especially in older properties, is another frequent concern, particularly where water has been able to penetrate around the window frames. You may also notice signs of bowing, draughts, or dropped sills, all of which point to underlying problems that shouldn’t be ignored. Cracks in masonry or render around the bay are often the first signs that something is wrong structurally. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain both the appearance and integrity of your home. At ASRS Ltd, we carry out thorough inspections to diagnose the root cause of bay window damage before offering tailored repair solutions.
Structural Bay Window Repairs
When a bay window begins to move or crack, it’s not just a cosmetic issue — it often points to deeper structural problems that require professional intervention. Structural bay window repairs typically involve addressing movement at the foundations, reinforcing the supporting walls or lintels, and stabilising the masonry. In some cases, the original construction may not have been adequate to support the weight of the bay over time, especially in older homes. Subsidence under the bay projection is also a common cause of instability. At ASRS Ltd, we use tried-and-tested methods such as underpinning, Helifix bar installation, or ground anchors to restore stability. If needed, we can also rebuild sections of brickwork or repoint and repair cracked mortar joints. Every bay window repair we carry out is based on a detailed structural assessment to ensure the solution is safe, effective and long-lasting. Our team works with care to preserve the original appearance of your property while ensuring it’s structurally sound.
The Helifix method of
Bay Window Repair
First-class service
I would just like to pass on what a first-class service I received from your company. All the guys who attended, and Gary the Surveyor, were absolutely fantastic. I am so pleased with the work that was carried out.
LG – Witney, Oxfordshire
Professional attitude
I wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the work, professional attitude, care and attention of the builders who worked on our property. Thank you.
PT – High Wycombe
A credit to ASRS
The team is a real credit to ASRS. Nothing was too much trouble. They took the time to explain what they were doing. Show the works as they were being progressed and left the area very clean and tidy.
LH - Milverton
A pleasure to deal with
Thanks for the work which - as far I can tell - was carried out to a high standard, and which started and finished on time and on budget.
I’d also like to put on record our appreciation of Lee who managed the job. He was careful and thorough, always professional in his approach and was a pleasure to deal with throughout.
TR – Aller, Somerset
Efficient and skilful
Thank you so much for the incredibly efficient and skilful way in which the structural repair work was carried out at my property.
I was particularly reassured by the team who carried out the work and kept me updated on what was happening.
BW - Bristol
Call us for help with any of these
Common structural defects, issues and problems
We offer free site visits to both domestic and professional clients to assess the problem and propose the appropriate repair programme, tailored to suit the specific needs of the project. ASRS are approved installers of the Helibeam System, offering cost effective, non-disruptive and concealed solutions to all aspects of remedial masonry stabilisation. Our skilled installation teams are trained and experienced in all aspects of masonry repair. They have been trained to the highest standard in every installation process to cover all H+S requirements. With most of our design and installation specifications we are proud to offer a 10yr indemnified guarantee on Helifix repairs and Micro Piling. We offer a 25yr guarantee for Wall Tie replacement.
Reasons
To trust ASRS
Free Quotation
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Guaranteed