Chad
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- Truss lift cracking walls????
Can anyone tell me if the problem I am having is truss lift and how to fix the problem. Around November for the past two years certain parts of my house will open large cracks. The problem areas are mostly in the bar area of my kitchen. The bar area goes all the way to the ceiling. The wall literally looks like it is seperating from the ceiling to a crack of about 3/8 of an inch. Also the center wall of the kitchen will do the same. And the kitchen counter and bathroom vanity will open these cracks along the vanity and splash guards. Is the center of my house sinking in the winter? Or is it truss lift? It only does this in the winter months and all closes back up in the summer. I have also found out that there is water leaking in under my house in between the footer and bottom concrete block. Could this be causing the problem? If so then why do the cracks close up in the summer? When I bought the house I had it inspected and the inspector said nothing about this and it was not on the seller disclosure. After being in the house for 6 months I started having this problem. What should I do?
Hello Chad,
Foundation settlement or movement could be caused by:
There are many possible explanations for what is happening:
- Materials tend to shrink in cold weather
- If you have forced air heat it will dry the wood causing it to shrink unless you are using a humidifier
- Expansion/contraction from temperature changes inside the house
- Foundation settlement or movement
Foundation settlement or movement could be caused by:
- Freeze/thaw
- Excessive amounts of water getting under the footing softening the subgrade
- Soil under the footing drying out and shrinking during long dry spells
And many other possibilities too numerous to mention, but I would say the chances of foundation movement are far greater than truss lift unless you live in a very high wind zone or have very large roof overhangs.
The disclosure laws vary from state to state so I would suggest getting some legal advice from an attorney. If the previous owner was unaware of the water problem you may not have a case unless you can prove otherwise. Even a home inspector would not notice this problem unless he found water present during the inspection.
If you need assistance in making any of these repairs, contact me in the “Expert Advice” section.
Glenn
[This message has been edited by GlennG (edited February 04, 2003).]
Just a wild guess on the drywall cracking. Maybe the drywall guy nailed the drywall close to the seams between the wall and the ceilings not allowing the seam to float properly. If the corners float, the drywall will flex and the taped seams will hold and cracking should not occur. Wood shinks and swells. That is just the nature of wood. I am not saying your case is not excessive and you should have the water problem looked into.
Just a thought?
Drak
