1. Stop at the safety boundary
Do not repoint before documenting movement; cosmetic repair can hide progression.
2. Capture the baseline
Take one context photo, one close view and a short note describing location, date, weather, recent water use, equipment state and occupancy.
3. Track the trigger
Seasonal temperature, soil moisture or structural change.
4. Compare, do not assume
Supports this pathway
- The crack widens or offsets
- Nearby openings distort
- Multiple cracks form a consistent movement pattern
Weakens this pathway
- The crack is hairline and unchanged
- It is limited to old repointing
- No displacement or functional change exists
5. Repeat only safe checks
- Photograph with scale
- Measure at fixed points
- Record nearby door, window and drainage conditions
6. Decide the next step
If the pattern is active, expanding, safety-related or requires opening inaccessible construction, stop self-help testing and prepare an evidence-based handoff. A structural or masonry professional should assess changing, displaced or widespread cracks.
7. Verify the outcome
After any action, repeat the same observation under a comparable trigger. A dry surface immediately after work is not sufficient proof when the original symptom was intermittent.
Observe→Compare triggers→Repair source→Verify outcome
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