leypt1 Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 Hello, We've had an offer accepted on an early 1970s era timber framed house. On our second viewing we noticed a crack running across the ground floor ceiling and into the top of the wall (photo attached). The same part of the ceiling also has a much larger but more localised crack which is sagging slightly (photo in next post) The ceiling has been recently painted but very faint waterstains are visible. The room above the ceiling is the WC, with no visible issues. The room next to that is the bathroom, again with no visible issues. One of the windows in the room with the damaged ceiling sticks - the one next to it doesn't and neither do any of the doors. Other issues - We also spotted a bit of damp where the plumbing for the washing machine is located, and some grey stuff sticking of out a hole which makes me think there's mineral wool insulation. I have photos of these and can post if helpful. Should we be worried about the ceiling cracks and other issues? What might be causing them? Would it be so difficult to fix that we should look for something else? We haven't commissioned a survey yet but will be doing a level 3, but first want to make sure that these issues don't scream "avoid"! Thanks very much for any advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leypt1 Posted April 12, 2021 Author Share Posted April 12, 2021 Second photo - the sag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 Nothing serious cosmetic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markc Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 Agree with Nod. and as the cracks are not straight you may find the paint will just peel off to reveal little and possibly no cracking underneath. (Thick vinyl paint straight onto bare plaster so not keyed in etc will often shrink and crack but peels off really easily ... so theraputic) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leypt1 Posted April 12, 2021 Author Share Posted April 12, 2021 1 hour ago, markc said: Agree with Nod. and as the cracks are not straight you may find the paint will just peel off to reveal little and possibly no cracking underneath. (Thick vinyl paint straight onto bare plaster so not keyed in etc will often shrink and crack but peels off really easily ... so theraputic) Thank you! We were concerned as part of the ceiling is visibly sagging, and then we read that sticky windows could be another indicator that its structural. Is it the size/position of the lines which shows it's cosmetic? More generally, should we be concerned about the timber frame? A lot of mixed messages on the internet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markc Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 45 minutes ago, leypt1 said: Thank you! We were concerned as part of the ceiling is visibly sagging, and then we read that sticky windows could be another indicator that its structural. Is it the size/position of the lines which shows it's cosmetic? More generally, should we be concerned about the timber frame? A lot of mixed messages on the internet! Yes, some timber frame houses have had problems, but look at all the standing Tudor and even older timber frame buildings. Whats on the outside? does it look intact? is the roof ok? most brick houses still have a lot of structural timber in them so dont be afraid, just cautious as with any older building 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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