Subsidence

northwest1965

We have a very strong feeling that we may have subsidence. We have a huge crack running from floor to ceiling at the top of the stairs (landing area). We have an assesor coming out to see it on Friday. I spoke to our neighbour who also has a crack in his bathroom. He doesnt seem to be doing anything about it. I suppose that we need to tell the assesor if he asks about the neighbour?
Any advice would be good from anyone whos going through or had experience

mick1962

how old is the house.

iamcornholio

A straight crack floor to ceiling is unlikely to be subsidence.

Even less likely if just upstairs, and much less if at the junction of two walls or where two plasterboards meet

Each property is different and so the neighbours situation is irrelevant to yours

northwest1965

mick1962 wrote: »

how old is the house.

House was built 1910. OH has been in the attic and there are 2 large cracks there also. It is not in the corner of the wall.

northwest1965

System

does it feel damp or is it just the photos making look like that??
tbh an assesor will likely say that is what they would expect to see in a property that's 100 years old...

northwest1965

No its not damp, I think thats just pollyfilla from ages ago. The crack has happened though in the space of a year, its not been gradual over years.
I've also found out that the house 3 doors up had subsidence 3years ago and the house next door and next to that have both moved out. Houses are empty, not sold or let.

iamcornholio

Looks like a thermal movement (ie shrinkage) crack.

The crack is too even to be typical of subsidence, but that's not to say it is not related, only that it's not a typical sign of foundation movement.

mick1962

it could just be perrished plaster at that age.

mick1962

has it recently been skimed over.

Tucker

Is the same crack present on the outside of the house?

If you are looking at subsidence it would normally show on the exterior wall too.