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Architecture/Cracks on Celing

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Expert: - 11/30/2006


Question
We have just viewed a property in Clayhall, it is a 1930's terrace house.  there is a crack in the ceiling on the first floor landing.  We have been told that this is only the plaster on teh ceiling and not structural.  Could this be true?  

Answer
Ravinder - thanks for your question!

Cracked plaster is very common, especially in locations around openings in floor systems - such as stairs.  The chances that it's structural are pretty remote.

An easy way to check is to put a piece of tape on either side of the crack and watch it over time. If the tape shifts out of alignment, then the crack size is changing and you may have a structural issue.

Ultimately, it would take an on-site inspection to determine if there's a problem, but it's not likely.  Plaster cracks - especially in an older home.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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