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milesawaykey · Feb 5, 2008, 12:45 AM

I really could do with a bit of advise. We bought our house last year and all fine. The house had an extension done approx 10 years ago. The extension is 2 storey kitchen/diner and upstairs double bedroom. Yesterday we decided to decorate the bedroom (currently our 4 year olds) she had big double wardrobes which we just plonked in when we moved in and never moved since. When we took these out there was a big crack running from floor to ceiling which concerned us but we carried on and began stripping the walls. We then discovered the same sort of crack on opposite wall. Then to the front there are cracks running from each corner of the window and round onto the other wall. There is a crack from floor to ceiling in 2 corners one of which leads to a damp spot on the roof. In total there are 9 cracks 4 of which are floor to ceiling 2 of which run down into the kitchen below(behind the units) the remaining cracks are roughly 3-4 foot in length. We chipped away the plaster and the cracks go through the breeze block too. We put paper in the gap and it pushed in 3 cm. the cracks at the top of the window appear to be around the lintel and the wall is no longer flush when you run over the crack. We have checked all exterior walls and there is nothing to be seen. I have called my home insurance and they are going to send a surveyor next week but I just would love anything to give me a bit of knowledge on possibilities... thanks

ballengerb1 · Feb 5, 2008, 06:02 PM

It appears that the foundation poured 10 years ago is settling. It is not uncommon for settling cracks to form in an addition but it will take a building engineer to determine if there is a safety issue. The cracks could have formed 9 years ago and now the settling is done. What is an insurance surveyor?

milesawaykey · Feb 6, 2008, 02:02 AM

Thanks for that it does reassure me a bit. Insurance surveyor, well ,by that I mean I have called my insurance company and they are going to send out a surveyor to determined what work needs to be done so then my home insurance can hopefully sort it out. I am fairly certain I am covered by my home insurance but I would still apprecaite any feedback again thanks for that

ballengerb1 · Feb 6, 2008, 08:25 AM

Chances are good your home insurance will not cover this situation since it would be difficult to prove when the cracking happened. Settling usually doesn't start 10 years after a project. Insurance companies don't like to pay out so they look for ways out of being responsible. If you get denied, try to appeal, more than once.

Flying Blue Eagle · Feb 7, 2008, 12:25 AM

Milesawaykey - I agree with B1 . By the way what is your local? IF ITS FLA> I can see why more then likely, if its Calif. > there also. IF you don't have any luck with Insurance co. then if you have a state insurance & banking commn. Contact him, these people are on your side GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS ;;; F.B.E.