Wooden beam cracking?
#1
09-06-13, 06:09 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: USA
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Wooden beam cracking?
Hello, my wife and I bought our first home about 5 months ago. It was built in 1991 and we're very happy. These cracks under hallway entrances are concerning me. I know it's hard to tell by blurry pictures, but does it look like stress cracks or something more?
Behind
View from separate hallway entrance
Behind
View from separate hallway entrance
#2
09-07-13, 03:33 AM
Welcome to the forums!
Were the cracks there when you bought the house? Odds are that they are just settlement cracks and nothing to worry about. About the only way to tell for sure is to keep an eye on them and see if they grow any over time.
Were the cracks there when you bought the house? Odds are that they are just settlement cracks and nothing to worry about. About the only way to tell for sure is to keep an eye on them and see if they grow any over time.
#3
09-07-13, 07:16 AM
I agree with Marksr, settling causes this exact type crack. When you start having problems with doors opening or closing, then you will need to address the settling situation. Keep an eye on the cracks, and if they don't enlarge over time, you can repair them and paint over them....until the next time.
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09-07-13, 12:04 PM
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Yes they were there before purchase and the inspector did mention settlement cracks. But I'll definitely sand reprint and of course keep an eye out. Thank you both very much 
#5
09-07-13, 12:09 PM
I assume you know it takes a little more than just paint 
Filling the cracks with spackling will make them disappear for a short time but usually it takes drywall tape and joint compound to get any type of permanent fix. A light coat of texture will help hide the repair.
Filling the cracks with spackling will make them disappear for a short time but usually it takes drywall tape and joint compound to get any type of permanent fix. A light coat of texture will help hide the repair.
#6
09-10-13, 11:17 AM
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Use a "setting-type" compound and paper tape on your plaster walls; Repairing Plaster Cracks, by Peter and Noelle Lord - Old-House Journal
Old Plaster Repair FAQ
Gary
Old Plaster Repair FAQ
Gary
