Concerned About Deep Hairline Cracks

1862 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by jecop, Apr 17, 2009

jecop

Discussion Starter · Apr 16, 2009 (Edited)

I'm new to this forum and am not technically minded at all when it comes to DIY etc, so please excuse me if I sound like a complete fool by asking this question..!

I've tried using the search function, but couldn't find an answer that way.

I live on the fifth floor of an apartment building and it's recently come to my attention that there are quite a few long, and seemingly deep, hairline cracks on the ceiling of my apartment. Some are two or three feet long and I'm able to slide a straigntened paper-clip the entire way in - so they're at least a few inches deep and possibly a lot deeper. Some are found above doorways, others emerge from the corners of what I can only assume are support columns?

I will mention it to the management of the building, but I'm not at all concerned about the asthetic side, more the safety of the building. Should a building only about 5 years old have such things? They're not only in my apartment, but in the public areas like the lobbies too.

Any input greatfully received!!!

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jecop

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 17, 2009

I actually live in Ireland so it can't be quakes.... although you mentioning quakes in connection with these cracks has me suitably alarmed...!

As far as I'm aware the last quake we had here was offshore in the mid 1980s!

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jecop

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 17, 2009

The building is about 5 years old. 6 at the most. I don't know anyone else in the building and I'm a bit reluctant to walk up to a stranger and ask about their cracks. :wink:

Having said that though, there are definitely signs of similar cracks elsewhere in the building.

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jecop

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 17, 2009

Thanks for all your responses.

Most of the cracks are straight, but there is one over the bathroom door frame which is "staggered" in a diagonal fashion. Like a side profile of a staircase, if you know what I mean.

Unfortunately, I've no idea if the building is woodframe/plaster walls etc. Like I said in my opening post, I'm really not knowledgable on such things at all. I'm a bit worried about getting laughed at when I bring this to the attention of the management but I guess I've no choice. I just needed some info from people like yourselves so I don't sound like a complete idiot!

I should be able to talk to someone about things on Saturday. I'll post an update when I get more info.

Thanks again!

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