Crack in the plaster ceiling

Two years ago we redid our upstairs bathroom, adding a clawfoot tub. We have just noticed that what was a small crack in the parlor ceiling (below the bathroom) has gotten much more significant. Before we all come crashing down, can any one recommend a good structural engineer to have a look? Thank you.

libertyh

in Brownstoner Renovation 10 years and 9 months ago

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brucef | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Yes, a contractor who will demo enough to find the underlying problem. Tell him he is not there to fix the crack, but to fix what caused the crack. After wards the crack may be patched.

libertyh | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Who then should I call for such a thing? A contractor? Thanks again.

brucef | 10 years and 9 months ago

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You don’t want a structural engineer. Check previous posts/rants of mine, I don’t feel like getting all riled up right now. You won’t know what is going on until you open the ceiling and visually inspect. 99% of the time it is something local and obvious, like a butchered beam that needs to be reinforced. It needs to be fixed, so don’t spend double just to get an opinion from an structural engineer who wouldn’t know a fix if it bit him.

libertyh | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Here’s the photo

libertyh | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks for the replies. I’ve attached a photo, which doesn’t look like much, but my concern is that it’s gotten much longer recently. Thank you!

Springs | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Can you post a picture ? Structural engineer is most likely not the right person to look at it.

no-permits | 10 years and 9 months ago

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a small crack sounds cosmetic. put a level on the tile/ceiling before you do something extreme like call a structural engineer who will probably have a good laugh at your expense.