heights1976 Posted March 26, 2015 Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Hi there, I'm writing because we are looking to buy a 1920's construction home in Atlanta. Our home inspector found the following step-crack in the brick siding. The crack is located above a sun-room addition that was put in around 2006-7. Click to Enlarge 27.37 KB Most of the research I've done suggests that step-cracks result from differential movement related to settlement. However, the home inspector seems to think this may be more related "inadequate support where the brick meets the roof framing." Could this be brick moving down due to inadequate support? Could it be movement/settlement of the entire sunroom addition? How could I tell the difference? The seller initially balked at doing anything more than repointing the masonry, but is now sending out a structural engineer. We are not on the ground in GA yet (moving from CA), so I just want to know what to look for in a report from the structural to see if this is a huge huge problem, huge problem, minor problem, or no biggie. Thanks! V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted March 26, 2015 Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Hi there, I'm writing because we are looking to buy a 1920's construction home in Atlanta. Our home inspector found the following step-crack in the brick siding. The crack is located above a sun-room addition that was put in around 2006-7. Click to Enlarge 27.37 KB Most of the research I've done suggests that step-cracks result from differential movement related to settlement. However, the home inspector seems to think this may be more related "inadequate support where the brick meets the roof framing." Could this be brick moving down due to inadequate support? Could it be movement/settlement of the entire sunroom addition? How could I tell the difference? The seller initially balked at doing anything more than repointing the masonry, but is now sending out a structural engineer. We are not on the ground in GA yet (moving from CA), so I just want to know what to look for in a report from the structural to see if this is a huge huge problem, huge problem, minor problem, or no biggie. Thanks! V Is that the whole story on this crack? No other cracks anywhere? Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights1976 Posted March 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Hi Marc, That is correct. I actually just got off the phone with the home inspector, who specifically looked for interior drywall cracking and "reciprocal cracking" and found no evidence of either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted March 26, 2015 Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Hi Marc, That is correct. I actually just got off the phone with the home inspector, who specifically looked for interior drywall cracking and "reciprocal cracking" and found no evidence of either. At 95 years old and only one crack, I think it's too soon to signal the alarm. I'd just pressure grout the cracks to help keep rainwater out. Don't paint the interior surfaces of that brick wall, otherwise moisture might become trapped inside it. If it's already painted on all sides, watch for signs of failing paint or mold growth. That's what trapped moisture will do. Stay tuned. There's a lot more folks here who'll offer their opinions if you hang around. Me, I just sweep the floors here. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights1976 Posted March 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Well, from one Lafayette resident to another (albeit in different states), I appreciate your input. Let's see what other folks have to say. I will say that my level of concern is diminishing. Hi Marc, That is correct. I actually just got off the phone with the home inspector, who specifically looked for interior drywall cracking and "reciprocal cracking" and found no evidence of either. At 95 years old and only one crack, I think it's too soon to signal the alarm. I'd just pressure grout the cracks to help keep rainwater out. Don't paint the interior surfaces of that brick wall, otherwise moisture might become trapped inside it. If it's already painted on all sides, watch for signs of failing paint or mold growth. That's what trapped moisture will do. Stay tuned. There's a lot more folks here who'll offer their opinions if you hang around. Me, I just sweep the floors here. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted March 26, 2015 Report Share Posted March 26, 2015 Is the wall made from brick or is this just brick veneer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmettoinspect Posted March 27, 2015 Report Share Posted March 27, 2015 Was the original brick removed below the roof line, which would now be an interior space, when the sunroom was added? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights1976 Posted March 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2015 Was the original brick removed below the roof line, which would now be an interior space, when the sunroom was added? My understanding is that the original brick below the roof line was removed to create the interior space for the sunroom (off the kitchen). Is the wall made from brick or is this just brick veneer? The inspection states that the house is a wood framed structure in which the exterior walls are "clad with brick siding without weep holes". My guess is that means the brick is veneer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjr6550 Posted March 27, 2015 Report Share Posted March 27, 2015 The photos are not very good. From what I see I assume a wide opening may have been made in the wall when the addition was added. That is a significant crack. Best guess with limited info is that the lintel supporting the brick wall or veneer is undersized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heights1976 Posted March 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2015 The photos are not very good. From what I see I assume a wide opening may have been made in the wall when the addition was added. That is a significant crack. Best guess with limited info is that the lintel supporting the brick wall or veneer is undersized. Download Attachment: Clipboard01.jpg 62.42 KB I think that is my fault. Maybe this will come out better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspector57 Posted March 27, 2015 Report Share Posted March 27, 2015 I agree with your inspector. I assume the original support for the brick (the other brick below the roof line) were removed and they did not provide adequate support for the remaining brick which have succumbed to gravity along the diagonal step crack. Whether it will be a problem in the future is a big unknown but it would warrant a closer look in my book. Can you see the structural support below? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjr6550 Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 Those photos are better, but my opinion is the same. Inadequate lintel. The brick would extend down below the roof to a horizontal lintel (or should) it should not be supported at the roof framing. Also, it does not look like the step flashing is set into the mortar joints. If that flashing was just installed against the face of the brick I would be looking at the entire addition structure closely. In my area it seems to be a challenge to find a contractor who actually can build an addition correctly (even with permits and inspections). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Amaral Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 Hi there, I'm writing because we are looking to buy a 1920's construction home in Atlanta. Our home inspector found the following step-crack in the brick siding. The crack is located above a sun-room addition that was put in around 2006-7. Click to Enlarge 27.37 KB Most of the research I've done suggests that step-cracks result from differential movement related to settlement. However, the home inspector seems to think this may be more related "inadequate support where the brick meets the roof framing." Could this be brick moving down due to inadequate support? Could it be movement/settlement of the entire sunroom addition? How could I tell the difference? The seller initially balked at doing anything more than repointing the masonry, but is now sending out a structural engineer. We are not on the ground in GA yet (moving from CA), so I just want to know what to look for in a report from the structural to see if this is a huge huge problem, huge problem, minor problem, or no biggie. Thanks! V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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