Case History #2

Plaster Wall Cracks Due to Rafter Push

This home had cracking in the upper plaster walls on the inside of the wall of the house shown in the photograph. Underpinning of the foundations of this side of the house had been proposed. My investigation revealed that the cracking in the walls was the result of rafter push - a problem occasionally occurring with a hip roof construction - and not a result of any foundation settlement.

The solution to the problem was anchoring the roof rafters at four locations in the roof space. Because the wall movement had additionally resulted in some separation of the wall at the floor line, it was necessary to install anchors through the wall holding the wall back to the floor also.