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aj1212 · Dec 22, 2009, 05:27 PM

We bought this 1985 built townhouse in June 2009, got painting and carpet change.Recently, lot of cracks getting developed in the house and seems like they are increasing day by day.I don't remember if they were already there before we bought(but its very likely).Here are the pics
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=963223809112%3A670232619&cm_mmc=sit e_email-_-new_site_share-_-core-_-View_photos_button
Please can anyone suggest ,Is it something to really worry about? How many years can we still live in the house as I am planning to sell it off in 2 years anyway. Will it last 2 years? I am really worried advice.
I have a 2 year old DD, I am really worried for her.
I don't hear any cracking sound though.

ajmahesh12 · Dec 23, 2009, 07:46 AM

No response.. no experts here?

ballengerb1 · Dec 23, 2009, 09:32 AM

Nothing to worry about. The cracks along the counter top tell me someone did a poor job of caulking and maybe did not use the correct caulk. The counter needs to be scraped and cleaned with acetone before recaulking. The stair case shows some stair movement which is not uncommon. I would put in at least 2 screws per step horizontally into the side plate but it still may flex. Is the area below the stairs open to like the basement?

arby808 · Dec 23, 2009, 10:04 AM

Remember wood expands and contracts winter it drys out so it contracts summer it is humid it expands

hkstroud · Dec 24, 2009, 03:56 PM

I agree with Bob, nothing to really worry about. As Bob said scrape and clean caulking around counter top and re-caulk using a flexible caulk like Dap tub and tile caulk.
The stair riser looks like a large gap was fill with a cheap caulk that has hardened and cracked. I would chip out all the old caulk and re-caulk with a good grade of caulk that remains flexible. Since all caulk shrinks when it dries, caulk and let it dry for about a month then caulk again.