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michael nichols
12-14-2009, 10:32 AM
I have been reading the posts here for over a year and they of course have been helpful. I
hope to hear some thoughts that would clarify my feeling on this.

On a 1 yr warranty inspection on a 2 year old model home. It is 2 story and I am seeing cracking of the mortar specifically at corners (4 of 5 corners and 3 of the cracks are 3 plus feet). The widest opening being at the top near the soffit at 1/4 inch. Sloppy installation or improperly fastened ties seems the likely culprit. There are several interior hairline wall cracks that do not correspond to exterior cracks. One closet door frame is slightly out of square. Nothing big interior wise.

Thoughts?
Jerry Peck
12-14-2009, 07:01 PM
The widest opening being at the top near the soffit at 1/4 inch.


That's a "V" crack, which typically indicates movement and settling of some type ... i.e., it is moving more at the top of the V than at the bottom of the V, and 'that is not a good thing'.
chris mcintyre
12-14-2009, 07:19 PM
I am seeing cracking of the mortar


There are several interior hairline wall cracks


Cracking inside and out, even if they are not corresponding, means something is moving. The exterior could cracking from poor installation, or normal settling.

Some hairline cracking can be expected in/on an older home, but the cracking in the pictures appears excessive for a 2 year old home.
H.G. Watson, Sr.
12-14-2009, 07:41 PM
#1 suspect: clay
A.D. Miller
12-15-2009, 02:07 PM
Judge for yourself. I could get closer with and address:
michael nichols
12-15-2009, 10:16 PM
Thanks for confirming. It is on clay by the way.
A.D. Miller
12-16-2009, 05:05 AM
Thanks for confirming. It is on clay by the way.

MN: Yes, that is what the map posted indicates. FYI, as per TRCC regulations - which apply to this home - the builder was required to provide you with initial foundation elevation measurements for you to use in instances such as this as a benchmark to determine how much movement has occurred since the foundation was initially poured. Do you have these? If so, follow up with another round of foundation elevation measurements for comparison.