Brick veneer zig-zag cracking in mortar

[NicB5858]

Looking for any advice / thoughts on this previously patched zig-zag cracking in the mortar? House built in approx 1962, and it’s the only occurrence of this on the whole property. Thanks

 

[phamENG]

Hard to tell without seeing more of the house and what is or isn't happening on the inside of the wall. Given the location, it's probably a thermal crack in the brick. If you're worried about it, you should call a local structural engineer to evaluate it in detail and provide you with an opinion and recommendations.

 

[masonrygeek]

It could be thermal expansion and contraction as pham noted or it could be a foundation settlement issue. More investigation is needed. If mortar was placed in the crack previously and it hasn't cracked again, there may be no more movement to worry about and it may just be an aesthetic issue. If the mortar has cracked again, then the movement is still occurring and you need to determine a cause. In most cases, this is not a structural issue, but should be fixed just to keep water out of the house.

 

[dik]

Be happy that it didn't crack through the brick units...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik