A crack shows something has moved. A single visit can't tell you whether it's still moving, how fast, or why. Monitoring can.

Historic or active?

Many cracks are old and stable. Others are getting worse. On the day they can look identical, but the right response is completely different. Repairing a crack that's still moving usually means it comes back.

Why timing matters

Clay soils shrink in dry summers and swell in wet winters, especially near trees, so cracks can open and close through the year. Monitoring over several months shows the real pattern and any long-term trend.

How we monitor

We use wireless crack sensors and tiltmeters that record movement 24/7, with remote access to results and alerts if movement passes set limits. This picks up changes that occasional site visits can miss, such as movement after heavy rain or nearby works.

When it's needed

Monitoring is especially valuable for:

• Suspected subsidence and insurance claims
• Buildings next to excavation or demolition
• Deciding whether underpinning is really necessary
• Checking that repairs or temporary propping are working

Crack and tilt monitoring in London and across the UK

ACUO Structural Insights provides crack and tilt monitoring for homeowners, managing agents, engineers, contractors and insurers across London, Kent, Essex and the South East.

For information on the full range of monitoring services, visit our structural monitoring service page. Where cracking is accompanied by suspected voiding or subsidence, our crack and subsidence investigation service can identify the underlying cause. If corrosion is a concern alongside cracking, see our article on carbonation and chloride attack in concrete.

Worried about cracks? Call 07340 549892 or email [email protected].