Horizontal crack goes all along the house

ecoplease

We are in the process of buying a bungalow (build around 1930-1940). We are lucky we already have a key because we are buying from a family member who inherit it. Its been empty since last year summer and over the winter the boiler broke as he did not leave it on. Now we discovered a crack, that all goes around (how do I attached a pic?) some are not so big but others are. Any advise what they could be? We can not see them on the outside wall.
Thanks!

Mankysteve

To attach a pic use a service like photobucket or flickr get the URL and use the image button in the tools. Could be all sorts anything best get a proper survey done on it.

iamcornholio

You don't need to post a photo, but you do need to describe it better.

Top or bottom of wall, continuous, external walls only, wall construction etc. You also say that there is a single crack, but then say that there are several of different sizes

ecoplease

The crack runs at the top wall, about 1 foot away from the ceiling. some are bigger then others. the crack sort of starts in the bedroom, continue into the bathroom, into the kitchen, then when we check the other side of the property inside its a hairline crack. We did had someone around yesterday and it looks like small bricks were used ontop of the big gray bricks (what are they called again?). Also when we go into the attic, we only have a sinlgle outside wall, the inside wall stops, so you can see into the cavety wall. We think that maybe the property lost the roof when the area was bombed in the war as it is very close to Lympne airport which was bombed a lot in ww2. The ceilings is very high as well. Any advise?

maninthestreet

ecoplease wrote: »

The crack runs at the top wall, about 1 foot away from the ceiling. some are bigger then others. the crack sort of starts in the bedroom, continue into the bathroom, into the kitchen, then when we check the other side of the property inside its a hairline crack. We did had someone around yesterday and it looks like small bricks were used ontop of the big gray bricks (what are they called again?). Also when we go into the attic, we only have a sinlgle outside wall, the inside wall stops, so you can see into the cavety wall. We think that maybe the property lost the roof when the area was bombed in the war as it is very close to Lympne airport which was bombed a lot in ww2. The ceilings is very high as well. Any advise?

Both the inside and outside leaf of the cavity wall must stop at roof level - so how can you only have one outside wall (leaf) ???

ecoplease

I know its amazing! Its like they have build a wall inside the bungalow, but forgot to finish the top bit (from the attic).

maninthestreet

We definitely need a picture.

iamcornholio

This seems to be a common occurrence and is either related to

Differential movement between timber wall plate/blocks/bricks where the plaster detaches from the material behind
or
Some roof spread where the roof rafters are effectively pushing the top section of wall outwards

But if, as you suspect the roof was replaced previously, then it may relate to that work (or be a combination of the three)

You probably need it looking at properly if you need to be certain

Dippypud

It sounds as if you need a full survey done before you purchase the property.

This will do two things, give you peace of mind as to what the cause is of the crack and a chance to seek a lower price because of the work needed.

Also, the basic construction of the wall can be checked, as some mortgage companies won't lend on buildings of 'non-standard' construction.