What is BRE Digest 251?

BRE Digest 251 is a Building Research Establishment publication that provides a standard classification system for cracking in buildings. It defines six categories (0–5) based on crack width and the ease of repair required. Category 0 and 1 cracks are cosmetic; Category 3 and above indicate structural damage requiring investigation and repair. It is widely used by structural engineers, insurers and loss adjusters in the UK.

How do you determine the cause of subsidence?

We use a combination of visual survey, crack pattern analysis, GPR, borescope inspection and CCTV drainage surveys to gather evidence about the cause of movement. Common causes include tree root activity, leaking drains, clay shrinkage, inadequate foundations and adjacent construction. Our report sets out the evidence, the most likely cause and the recommended next steps.

Can you provide reports for insurance claims?

Yes. Our subsidence and crack investigation reports are written to be used directly in insurance claims. We set out the findings, the crack categorisation, the likely cause and the recommended remediation clearly and objectively. We work with homeowners, insurers and loss adjusters and can attend site meetings or provide supplementary expert commentary if required.

Subsidence Reports

Subsidence and Crack Investigation

Subsidence Reports

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About this service

Independent crack and subsidence investigations for homeowners, insurers and loss adjusters. We apply BRE Digest 251 crack categorisation, GPR, borescope and CCTV drainage surveys to establish cause, severity and appropriate remediation — producing clear expert reports.

BRE Digest 251 Crack Categorisation

BRE Digest 251 is the standard framework used in the UK to classify cracking in buildings by severity — from Category 0 (hairline, negligible) through to Category 5 (very severe, requiring major repair or partial rebuilding). We apply this classification system to every crack we record, giving homeowners, insurers and engineers a consistent, objective basis for assessing the significance of the damage and deciding on the appropriate response.

Establishing the Cause of Subsidence and Cracking

Cracking in buildings has many causes — differential settlement, tree root activity, drainage failure, thermal movement, overloading and structural defects among them. Identifying the true cause is essential before any remediation is specified. We use a combination of visual survey, GPR, borescope inspection and CCTV drainage surveys to gather the evidence needed to reach a reliable diagnosis — and we set out our findings clearly in a written report.

What we cover

BRE Digest 251 crack categorisation
GPR & borescope surveys
CCTV drainage investigation
Cause & severity assessment
Homeowner & insurer reports
Loss adjuster support

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Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is BRE Digest 251?: BRE Digest 251 is a Building Research Establishment publication that provides a standard classification system for cracking in buildings. It defines six categories (0–5) based on crack width and the ease of repair required. Category 0 and 1 cracks are cosmetic; Category 3 and above indicate structural damage requiring investigation and repair. It is widely used by structural engineers, insurers and loss adjusters in the UK.
How do you determine the cause of subsidence?: We use a combination of visual survey, crack pattern analysis, GPR, borescope inspection and CCTV drainage surveys to gather evidence about the cause of movement. Common causes include tree root activity, leaking drains, clay shrinkage, inadequate foundations and adjacent construction. Our report sets out the evidence, the most likely cause and the recommended next steps.
Can you provide reports for insurance claims?: Yes. Our subsidence and crack investigation reports are written to be used directly in insurance claims. We set out the findings, the crack categorisation, the likely cause and the recommended remediation clearly and objectively. We work with homeowners, insurers and loss adjusters and can attend site meetings or provide supplementary expert commentary if required.

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