The is a large crack in the wall which goes from the top to the bottom of an internal wall which seperates two rooms. When the walls were decorated the wall paper was moved and also the wall is bulging were the crack is. It appears that there has been another crack on this wall but last time was plastered over. The rooms below has also been knocked through prob over 20 years ago and were the wall downstairs once was is were we are having the problems above.
Should we be concerened and call out a builder before decorating or just plaster over?
2007-09-18 13:01:03 · 17 answers · asked by Karly 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As a construction manager, on site everyday, if I wasn't trying to make any money, I would say, "dont worry about it". If the wall that was removed 20 years ago carried that much weight, there'd be ALOT of other indicators that you didn't mention. Old houses shift and settle, and therefore crack, in different places, sometimes the concrete, sometimes the wall, and ceilings.
If it is a BIG house, 1000ft downstairs 1000ft upstairs or more, and this is close to center, maybe have it looked at. But like I said, I would tell someone that I wasnt trying to sell a job to, not to worry about it to much with just a crack in a wall.
2007-09-18 16:15:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should call a proctologist.
Seriously, tho, I'll bet that wall that was removed downstairs was a load-bearing wall. That means the area that is cracking isn't supported correctly any more and is caving in slowly.
I wouldn't do anything to that cracking wall until you had a general contractor out to look at the situation. They may take one look and run out screaming that the ceilings about to fall down. Or, they may be able to come up with suggestions on how to fix the problem, like putting a column or something where the wall was taken down.
BTW - if you ever go to sell this house and this problem has not been fixed, you had better disclose it. Otherwise you'll be paying for the next owners to have it fixed.
2007-09-18 13:34:49 · answer #2 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably received more hits off the title of this question than any other this evening.
If I understand you, a wall below the wall with the crack was removed several years ago. If this is correct, that was probably a load bearing wall.
Houses do shift over time and calling a builder in to check it out may cost a few bucks but I think the peace of mind would be worth the cost.
2007-09-18 13:27:19 · answer #3 · answered by rann_georgia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to suggest that you bend over in front of the mirror then you can look at your large crack yourself but then I read the rest of your question.
Yes I would get a builder to have a look because they don't charge anything for looking. If you get two or three and see if the diagnosis is the same. You could also ask your insurance company to come and have a look too. I once had a problem with damp and no two builders gave me the same answer so I rang the insurance company up in desperation. They sent someone to have a look and then got a specialist to come and have a look too. They didn't charge me either and they gave me the answer to the problem which I then got resolved.
2007-09-19 11:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by chill out 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!!!! call a house inspector or a builder, sounds like someone knocked out the wrong wall , can you see a bow in the ceiling down stairs?if a load bearing wall was moved a contractor should be able to jack the ceiling up and put in post ,or a small partition ,,,you need something to hold the weight from upstairs, you will be OK just have it check.
2007-09-18 14:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by little eagle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds more like foundation troubles to me. Cracks in ceilings, floors, and walls are huge indicators. Have you noticed cracked concrete outside your house? Cracks in your mortar (not the weep hole at the base to let the brick breath) outside? Humps in flooring? You should call out a few foundation experts to look. If it is that, make sure that you are getting a warranty on the work. With the climate changes that are all over the world, people's foundations are being wrecked by unseasonally wet or dry conditions.
2007-09-18 15:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by MJ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call in a structural engineer. Perhaps look at your house insurance policy.
Don't waste your time getting a builder to look at it the engineer will highlight any problems and inform you what remedial action to take. You can then get a builder to carry out the work
2007-09-18 22:53:10 · answer #7 · answered by the f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would get the builder out asap cos it sounds like a supporting wall was removed without having a RSJ put there to hold the weight!
2007-09-18 13:10:36 · answer #8 · answered by dozyllama 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
sounds like they removed a support wall below ,and that is what is making the upstairs wall crack, you need to get some support on the floor below first, and then fix the crack upstairs, I am suprised the floor has not colapsed. get someone in straight away to look at it.
2007-09-20 02:16:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there
i would just to be on the safe side with the winter coming up as well ,but don't let them con you ,sometimes its just where the house moves after newly built wall,i have my whole house hacked off and trended inside and out ,now after 2years and all the movement i have a few cracks to repair,,be shady watch them,,,good luck in what u diside
2007-09-18 16:39:41 · answer #10 · answered by ubbau2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋