Cracking in buildings BR 292
BRE Group (BRE) is a world-leading centre of built environment expertise, research and training, and includes a third-party approvals organisation offering certification of products and services to international markets.
The first edition of the BRE guide Cracking in buildings was published in 1996. The second edition, written by Ron Bonshor, Lesley Bonshor and Roger Sadgrove, was published in March 2016. Its aimed at all who own, occupy, design, build and maintain buildings.
Buildings and other built structures are moving all the time, but usually these movements are so small as to be unnoticeable. However, if a structure is unable to accommodate movement, cracking is likely to occur. The appearance of cracks can be visually unattractive and disconcerting for occupants, and if left untreated can affect the integrity, safety and stability of the structure.
The BRE guide describes the basic materials science behind the subject and explains how and why cracks occur. It provides a source of relevant information and provides a systematic approach for the reader to follow.
The first part looks at the causes of and mechanisms behind cracking, and the use of joints as safeguards against cracking. The second part examines the application of the science, and how cracking is effected by temperature, moisture, chemical and foundation movement. Appendices cover the classification of visible damage to walls, and provide a suggested approach to crack investigation.
This second edition updates references and aspects of the methodology that have changed since the first edition.
You can view a sample of, and purchase the book here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BRE Trust.
- Burland scale.
- Cracking and building movement.
- Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.
- Defects in brickwork.
- Defects in construction.
- Defects in stonework.
- Efflorescence.
- Foundations.
- Ground heave.
- Home quality mark.
- Latent defects.
- Pyrite and mica redress issues in Dail Eireann.
- Reversible and irreversible expansion.
- Settlement.
- Thermal expansion.
- The history of fabric structures.
- Why do buildings crack? (DG 361).
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.