Hi All,

I purchased my first home last month. The inspector said everything looked fine and that my cracks were cosmetic but I'm not too sure about this one. I noticed that a bump appears by the crack at mid-morning-midday *pictures 1&2* then gets better overnight *pics 4&5*. I live in Washington state if that helps with any humidity questions. Is this just normal expansion that's happening or do you think it may be something else? On top of this beam is our master bedroom/master bath. I believe this is just below the doorway from the master bed into the master bathroom. Any help will be appreciated!

Also, what can I do to fix up this issue? I don't really know too much about housing stuff so I'll most likely call in someone to help if it's difficult.

 

Welcome to the forums!

Basically you just scrape off any loose, apply joint compound and press in drywall tape with a wide knife removing the excess j/c. After it dries you'll need to apply 2 more coats of j/c, sanding the final coat. Texture is then applied to match the rest of the wall.

The 2nd to last pics looks like drywall tape showing. IF the tape is loose it should be removed and redone, if the tape is solidly in place - just add another coat of mud.

 

Hi Mark,

Thank you! I sent these pictures over to a contractor as well and he said he suspects there may be a slight water leak which is causing this issue. I'm not seeing any other signs of water damage in my upstairs bathroom and the roof over the opening seems to be pretty good as well. Do you think I just just repatch this up and if it continues then hire someone to take a look if it is indeed a water leak??

 

There are also cracks underneath outlining appears to be the wood as well?

 

Water leaks will cause drywall problems as regular joint compound is water soluble. Hard to tell from the pics but water will cause a brownish stain. Water stains need to be sealed with a solvent based primer before repainting or the stain will bleed thru the latex paint .... obviously the source of the water should be fixed first

On your opening between rooms there is corner bead installed to both finish and protect the edge of the drywall. The slight crack runs along the edge of the corner bead. The fix is the same as the other cracks although in serve cases the corner bead needs to be re naild.

 

Thank you so much! The person I spoke to over the phone said it is most likely from a past leak since it isn't wet or stained (after I raised panic of course). I now feel confident I can do this myself. Ever since I purchased this place I always assume the worst. Once again, thank you!!

 

Your house was built by people, they all had to learn their respective trades and while a homeowner may not be able to learn as much about each trade or be as quick or efficient - most things are diy and there is usually someone here that has done it and can walk you thru it.

 

Glad I joined Thank you!