Gap between backsplash and wall changes with season

wvphysics

I have an interesting problem where a large gap( nearly a quarter inch at the largest point) appeared between the backsplash of a kitchen counter and the wall, which is along an exterior wall. It appears to have been caulked before but has pulled away and opened. The house is 6 years old and I bought it about 16 months ago. The gap appeared last winter and then closed up in the summer but opened back up this winter. I suspect it is the wall "flexing" with the temperature because there are a few places where things on walls have shifted, like trim or small cracks in the drywall corners. I just fixed a bad corner that was either truss uplift or just bad drywall, not sure though.
Anyone seen this before and have any ideas of how to fix? I could caulk now while the gap is open, but I'm concerned about what may happen when it tries to close.

oh'mike

Sounds like you have a wild stud or two---sometimes that just happens--only remedy I know is to open the wall and sister in a new stud or two----

Often the sink wall studs have so many holes drilled or cut into the framing that they are weak and move---Damn those plumbers with a sawsall.

---Mike-----

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Jackofall1

You should watch your plumber comments, there are a few toughy feely ones around here

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mrgins

Thats a very common problem that has no easy solution. If you build a new house, use engineered studs that will not warp or twist seasonally like regular 2x6s. Flexible caulk is your friend!