[micahlasvegas]

The beam above my living room is stressing me out. Since I moved in, as you can see below, the beam has a slight twist to it which has not changed in 6 years. I painted the ceiling and beam 3 years ago and have noticed over the past 6 months the top of the beam and the drywall have become separated. This is not a new home mind you, it was built in 1988. Upon further inspection I have noticed hairline cracks in the paint along the beam during the last 6 months as well. On one side of the beam the wood gradually humps out in the middle all down the length of the beam, not sure how to describe this. Along that hump the paint is also cracking.

We did just have a quote for roofing repair/replace as we are getting staining on our ceiling and have some water damage to the underside of our eves.

I hope this is just a minor moisture problem, but I worry for my family's safety now.

FYI- 18 months ago we just finished doing a kitchen remodel and a wall that was opened up is supported next to the support for the ceiling beam.

Thanks for any help. Before I call someone out I thought I should get some advice, so I can be better informed if it is necessary to get some quotes.

 

[micahlasvegas]

pics

https://flic.kr/s/aHsktyXsP2

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

wood will expand and contract forever..the cracks between the beam and sheet rock can be caulked with a white flexible caulking...unless the beam is rotted or soft from pests, thats just the way wood is, you can get someone in to get up there and see if the beam has lost its integrity, but the small paint cracks are nothing to worry about...

 

[joecaption]

When you opened up this wall did you have an engineer spec and sigh off on the beam size and type?
This should have been a permited, inspected job.
Sure looks like from that picture and single 2 X was used.

 

[ront02769]

Grab an ice pick and stick it in that hump and see how far it goes. If it goes in more than like 1/4" you have problems. If not, forget it. Ron

 

[micahlasvegas]

I appreciate the advice. Thanks. It really may be nothing, but better safe than sorry.