Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/5/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bruce,
I wanted to ask you a couple of questions regarding my home. It was built in 1928 and although I have had some renovations to the home, it still has some issues I have questions/concerns with. First issue is that one part of my ceiling appears to have slight cracks in it. I am not sure what is causing those, could it be the fact that right above that ceiling is a bedroom? Second issue, one area of my home has a little bit of an uneven floor, does that signify a major problem that I need to have addressed immediately? It's on the first floor of my home and we have a crawlspace underneath that. Third issue, there is one area of my home in which the drywall has puffed up, does that mean there is an issue in that area of the wall? It's on the first floor but right near the ceiling at the top area of the wall? Lastly, how can I install insulation in my attic? And do you know about how much having these issues fixed would cost? I am a single mother on a very fixed income due to my job reducing income so I can't afford to spend very much but if these are not issues then I could wait to have them fixed. Please advise, and sorry for having so many questions! :-)

ANSWER: Hi Angela, sorry I didn't get to your question sooner, I have been out of town on business. Anyhow as far as the cracks in your ceiling go, yes it probably is due to the room above.  Older homes have a tendency to have slightly undersized floor joists and therefore will flex a bit more when there is weight above such as people walking etc.  This flexing can cause cracking in drywall or plaster..the unevenness of the floor could be due to settling supports.  Try to locate the spot from underneath in the crawlspace and look for places you can shim up with cedar shims to help push the floor back up to level.  It is possible that the floor was repaired at one time and the wrong thickness of material was used to replace the old sheathing, if this is the case you can get thin underlayment material to bring the low side up to the higher level.  Puffy drywall or plaster means at there is moisture getting in.  The leak that is allowing the moisture in needs to be fixed before the drywall or plaster is repaired.  Insulating your attic is as easy as calling an insulation company to come in and blow in the insulation, they can do it cheaper than you can do it yourself and get it done professionally...costs will vary depending on where you live..a small drywall or plastering  company can do most of the work but I can't say how much it will cost because I can't see exactly what is needed cosmetically etc.  But you can get proposals from various companies and make your choices based on your budget. Sincerely Bruce Johnson  

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QUESTION: Hi Bruce,
It's no problem regarding the delay, I understand we all have many things to do! I have concerns about the puffy wall in my office/den. It's only one area of the wall and I think my upstairs bathroom sink may be over that area but I am not sure. How would I go about getting that fixed, like what type of professional would I need for that issue? Would that cause major issues in my home even though its in the one spot? Can you give me an estimate of how much of a repair like that would cost? I feel very worried and in over my head...Also in regards to the issues, puffy wall, cracks in ceiling, uneven floor and attic insulation, is there any one of those that signifies a major issue with my home? I am feeling so overwhelmed right now, I just want to make sure my home is safe for my children. Please lead me in the right direction if possible. And thank you again for your information!

Answer
Hi again Angela, if there is a water source above the puffy area then I would look under the sink above for obvious leaks.  Most leaks occur in the visible piping under the sink, either the drain pipes may need tightening (run the water in the sink and look at the drain pipes for leaking), or the water supply lines may be leaking, these can be tightened as well.  You might be able to do this yourself.  A large pair of channel lock pliers can come in handy around the house for simple repairs like this. Remember righty tighty lefty loosy..fittings turned to the right go tight.  If there is no visible sign of leaking or you are unable to make proper plumbing repairs you can either call a plumber or a home handyman service who are capable of doing a various assortment of repairs such as minor plumbing and drywall or plaster repair.  At this point from what you have described your problems are not life safety issues.  Your leak causing the drywall or plaster to puff up is an issue that should be addressed soon because the longer hidden areas in a home stay wet mold can become an issue which can be harmful to your family.  I'm not saying that mold is an issue at this point but keep it in mind when determining priorities.  There may be local groups in your area that provide help to burdened single parents.  Your local Habitat for Humanity, VFW, Knights of Columbus, churches, and even some government agencies, city agencies and civic groups have volunteer programs for women in need of help.  Sincerely Bruce Johnson