Architecture/modular home

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Expert: - 3/10/2005


Question
I am looking at buying a modular home that was built in 2001.  It is one story and has a full walk out basement.  It is built on a steel frame.    

There is a small crack that runs down the ceiling where the rafters come together.  The crack in the ceiling runs down the middle of the house.  What could have caused this crack and should I worry about it?  Thank you.  Scott

Answer
Scott - thanks for your question!

If you have a flat ceiling in the area of the crack, it's most likely caused by "truss uplift", which happens when the roof trusses shrink and swell with changes in temperature and humidity.  There's a way to properly detail the trusses so that doesn't happen, but if it's cracked it's cosmetic and nothing to worry about.

If you have a vaulted ceiling in that area, the crack is caused by normal movement of the rafters.  Again, it's only a cosmetic flaw.  Taping and patching won't cure it permanently - the best solution is to cover the crack with a piece of trim and be done with it.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.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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