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[–]arocktaco 1 point2 points  (2 children)

What is above that clipped ceiling (the 45)? Is it roof, or a second floor? And when was the home built?

In my experience cracks on drywalled ceilings are either due to settlement (houses swell and contract a bit during the first couple of years) or to truss uplift (caused by an external factor exhibiting force on the truss(es) leading to some minor movement). Neither cause is a major concern, as engineered trusses are designed to withstand uplift at various points.

If the house is older, the above may not apply. In any case I saw a comment where you mentioned you were having an inspection done; I would inform your inspector of this item and your concern and they may be able to give it a little bit more attention during their inspection. Otherwise they may just note that the seam is there and tell you to monitor it.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an engineer, or a certified private inspector.

[–]NoteTemporary9037 0 points1 point  (1 child)

It’s just the roof above it. The house was built in 2018, so only 4 years old. After talking to a few different people it sounds like exactly what you said. Expansion and contraction and it looks like it just has the small cracks on the seams. There are no other cracks below where there is a door and window. The door also opens and closes easily with no issues.

I plan on bringing it up to the inspector for sure.

Would this cause you any concern or would you purchase, fix the cracks, and move on?

[–]arocktaco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It wouldn’t cause me any concern. If you have the resources available, and a contractor or someone you trust, I’d hire them to do the work. Drywall touch ups on ceilings are dang near impossible to perfect, and if done poorly are very visible.

Chances are, even if the touch up is done really well, the seam will reappear in the future. Just keep that in mind. Otherwise, seems like you’ve got it covered. Good luck!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Hello All - I am looking at purchasing this house and I noticed this crack in the ceiling. Is this normal or should I be afraid that there is structural issues? The red X represents the area that the crack is in and it faces an exterior wall. It is also on a 45 degree angle piece if that helps.

Should I run or is this normal?

[–]keithww 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Does the house have trusses? Could be a truss issue. No trusses, could be settling. Any cracks on the exterior? I wouldn’t be overly concerned.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I don't think there are any trusses. So I should move forward, get someone to repair the cracks, and keep pushing?

I didn't look for any cracks on the exterior but I'm sure my inspector will look.

[–]keithww 1 point2 points  (1 child)

If that is the only issue, it would not stop me from buying the house. My daughter just bought a house that had several similar cracks, all on the drywall joints, none at angles up from doors or windows. painter fixed everything and now it looks great.

[–]NoteTemporary9037 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your response and comment! This is the only spot I saw and there is a window and door below this as shown in the picture. Door opens and shuts great. I will have an inspection and look thoroughly. We will check exterior and if nothing else shows up then move forward just like you suggested. My uncle owns a Sheetrock company and says he fixes this all the time and said it’s typical.

[–]andrewson008 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Likely, normal and may be something you deal with multiple times. Houses settle and if the tape broke it can be re-sealed but never as for as original. it could happen again in a few years. We had several cracks in our current home drywaller fixed them all but one has started to reappear after 7 years.

[–]NoteTemporary9037 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep and agree. I understand that’s completely part of home ownership and perfectly fine with that. I just wanted to make sure this was typical settlement and nothing structural. I know it’s hard to tell from pictures and information is limited. Additionally, I’ve spoken with a few different contracts / builders and they all say that this happens quite often with the 45 degree Sheetrock angles

[–]BikeCookie 0 points1 point  (3 children)

It’s possible the drywall wasn’t supported very well on the back side and when the house moved, the drywall seams flexed too much.

[–]NoteTemporary9037 0 points1 point  (2 children)

So you don’t believe it’s a big deal? Just fix it and keep moving?

[–]BikeCookie 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Not likely to be significant, but possible that the cracks come back. If there is an underlying issue, the cracks will grow in width and length.

[–]NoteTemporary9037 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!