Stress lines may need more than a face lift
Q. We live in a two-story home which is about six years old. For the past three years we've had ongoing problems with hairline drywall cracks. We've patched them several times with Spackle, but they keep coming back. What can we do to end this problem, and how can we know if this is a serious issue?
A. Drywall cracks are common in many homes. When they are "hairline" cracks, as you describe them, they are usually cosmetic defects only. Cracks of this kind are usually caused by expansion and contraction of the wood framing, due to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Moisture variations can also cause expansion and contraction of the soil beneath the foundation, and this can also induce cracks in walls, ceilings, exterior plaster and masonry.
Repairing drywall cracks with patching materials such as spackling paste is seldom a permanent fix because the cracks are not static. They are lines of ongoing movement as changes in weather occur. A better approach is to hire a professional drywall finisher to tape the cracks and then to match the existing wall texture. Even then, it is possible for the cracks to reappear, depending on the amount of movement taking place in the building.
Q. Before buying our current residence, we hired a home inspector. He reported an electrical defect in the main breaker panel, but the seller's electrician disagreed with our inspector's finding. Our home inspector said one of the circuits is "over-fused" because a No. 10 gauge wire is connected to a 40-amp circuit breaker. Do we need to get this fixed?
A. According to your description, your home inspector was correct to call the circuit "over-fused." Wires that are No. 10 gauge are commonly rated at 30-amps and should be connected to 30-amp breakers, not 40-amp breakers. In the event of an overload, the wire could become hot before the breaker would trip, and this could cause a fire in your home.
Exceptions to this rule are allowed, but in most cases an over-fused circuit is regarded as a fire hazard. My advice is to consult another electrician for a third opinion.
• To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com, or write AMG, 1776 Jami Lee Court, Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, CA 94301.
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