Comments on a suspected reason for these ceiling and wall cracks?
1 Like
FYI, on a crawlspace foundation.
We need so much more context.
Plaster vs. Drywall **
Matching photos from foundation below.
Age of home.
Other cracks (look for patched cracks)
Do the doors fit and are they square?
What’s your level of experience?
Houses shift, minor cracks are expected. New houses crack, when the wet studs shrink. No telling from no information.
** Note plaster cracks from age along lathe lines, drywall is unconstrained, but plaster cracks are sharper and can take the pattern you show also.
5 Likes
Settlement would be a good suspected reason.
Did the windows and doors all open and close okay with no rubbing or binding?
Were there any cracked or broken windows?
It looks like plaster cracks as opposed to drywall. Also I normally see cracks starting at the top corner of the door frame, not down the sides like in the picture.
5 Likes
So true. I am comfortable saying conditions have changed since the original install. I am looking forward to more photos and context.
2 Likes
I agree we need more context and info but those look to be more than just some minor shrinkage or settlement. I’d definitely advise some further evaluation from someone structural. Any sloping floors or water in the crawl space? Those often accompany cracks like that in my experience.
2 Likes
Movement (I wouldn’t assume settlement)
And did you go into the crawl? How was the foundation?
Yeah. looking at the crawlspace photos, It all looks good with no indications of foundation damage, damaged girders, or anything major.
Any earthquake activity or extreme wind events in the area?
1 Like
I was thinking the same thing about earthquake activity after I saw he was from the Bakersfield CA area.
The diagonal cracking & ceiling cracking … were these in the same area? I had a similar issue at a home. The wall needed extra support from underneath, the crawlspace in your situation. The joist needed to be doubled to support the interior wall and load. It doesn’t appear to be crushing so nothing heaved pressure from the crawlspace so it seems like a slight downward movement (not settlement but similar) from inadequate support in the crawlspace. Ide flag it for further evaluation.
1 Like
Drywall or grout?
Where the walls and ceilings on the upper floors affected?
What shape was the crawlspace in? Conditioned? Unconditioned?
What shape was the foundation in?
Lot slope.
Standard verbiage: Suspect wall assembly Movement. Suspect structural.
Various vertical, diagonal and horizontal drywall cracks. Location: Crawlspace.
Awaiting your replies.
I would second think that remark.
Efflorescence, wicking moisture.
No vapour barrier.
Uneven soil.
There is enough here to consider advanced settlement even raking assemble.
Doors and windows open and closed successfully?
Gaps or. uneven flooring under doors?
Just curious, did you crawl this space? I see a bit of moisture in a few places. Elevated moisture in wood can promote compression, sagging etc. I do not think it would take much for the settlement to transfer to the upper floors and be ugly up there.
Is this a Modular Home or stick built on-site?
Certainly movement. In CA perhaps earth quake.
Home imprudent
Improvement contractor here. If they’re no wider, extend to the other side of the wall or into the crawlspace and show no signs of past repair, it’s likely just a contaction crack, might even be seasonal, but i totally agree with the person who suggested checking the door for square. Without other signs of damage in my area with clay soil this would not be a concern.