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TLE · Dec 14, 2009, 11:58 AM

We have couple cracks on the ceiling where the sheet rock meets. There is gaps between the sheet rocks that connect between the ceiling and the one on the wall. There is no crack outside on the brick as well at the crack on the sheet rock itself. Just the gap between sheet rocks.
Is that the sign of foundation problem?
Thanks
T
Ps I will post the pic next time

Perito · Dec 14, 2009, 12:50 PM

It's one sign that the foundation may be settling. It may not necessarily mean that you need repairs on the foundation, however.

TLE · Dec 14, 2009, 01:10 PM

When you said foundation maybe settling means the foundation problem is about to start? The house is 5 yrs old. I wonder why it just starts now if that is the case.
Thanks
T

TLE · Dec 15, 2009, 04:19 PM

Perito? Any thought?

ballengerb1 · Dec 15, 2009, 05:57 PM

A home does most of its settling in the first year or two. If your cracks just appeared this year then you may have something failing. However, most cracks appear very slowly and may not be noticeable for a year or two. How would you describ your cracks formation?

TLE · Dec 15, 2009, 07:24 PM

Hi Ballengerb, I don't know if the cracks has been there for a while or not but I just realized recently. The cracks are around 8 feet and you can stick a quarter (edge) into the biggest gap. It runs along the join between the ceiling and the wall. It's a split between two piece of drywalls that form the ceiling and the wall.
I wonder if I can attach the pics in here for illustration
Thanks

ballengerb1 · Dec 16, 2009, 07:35 AM

You have 2 choices; have this evaluated by a structural engineer now or patch and see if the patch cracks again.

RusticOne · Dec 19, 2009, 12:05 PM

The suggestion of getting a structural engineer is a good one, but will cost you several hundred dollars. However it will likely identify the root cause of the issue.

I have done drywall for over 30 years and have seen all kinds of issues that could cause these types of cracks. It could be that the ceiling board doesn't have a "nailer" behind it and so it is just "floating" on that edge. All houses naturally shift and move with seasonal changes. Also, it may have the nailer, but the sheet rock may not be properly nailed along those edges. Cracks such as you describe are not an uncommon occurrence in either of these situations. If you choose to take the route of repairing the cracks to see if they crack again, I would suggest nailing off the ceiling about every 12 inches along the crack ensuring that the sheetrock is set against the ceiling stud. Then re-tape and refinish.

If these cracks are the result of structural issues they are likely the "early warnings" only a structural engineer would be able to provide that assessment.