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
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
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.
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.