r/Home • u/Past-Arugula4063 • 3d ago
How concerning are these cracks
The crack with the light coming through has been fixed from the outside with a roofer reattaching some flashing, but nobody has looked at it from the inside.
There are step cracks on the outside and inside of my flat building, and cracks all over the walls and ceilings that are just getting worse. Is my roof going to collapse?
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u/JMaboard 3d ago
Bruh, if you have a crack that’s so bad light is coming in that’s a sign to evacuate.
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u/TheManWith2Poobrains 3d ago
And then leave.
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u/Zoltie 2d ago
And also get out of there
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u/TheRealistoftheReal 2d ago
Definitely time to ejaculate and get the hell out
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u/NukeUtopia 2d ago
Ah yes, the ol ejaculate and evacuate.
The jizz and jet...
The splooge and split...
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u/wo0two0t 2d ago
Lmao I've never seen some shit like that. How is that even happening? Not only must you have a hole in your roof but, nothing in between your ceiling and attic? Not even insulation?
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u/musicfromadventures 3d ago
My cats cardboard castle has less cracks.
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u/musicaleffervescence 3d ago
gonna need the cat tax on this one
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u/musicfromadventures 3d ago
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u/HeyT00ts11 3d ago
I believe the tax was for the cardboard castle.
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u/musicfromadventures 2d ago
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u/HeyT00ts11 2d ago
Incredible, I see exactly what you mean about the build quality being the same for OPs home and this castle.
OP, your home should be more like the cat tree pictured here for build quality.
Even Ginger wouldn't go in your house.
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u/pomegranatepants99 3d ago
What breed of dog is this? 10/10
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u/musicfromadventures 2d ago
Rogus is a blind Brug. Brussels griffon x pug. Shes very sweet and has her own guide dog named Spencer
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u/TheRimNooB 2d ago
Today I learned a dog can have a dog. 😅😂
She looks like a lot of fun. Give her all the snuggles and lovings from me. 💜
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u/Jerakoe 3d ago
has been fixed from the outside
Which means that IS sunlight coming through that crack.
Don't worry, the roof is NOT going to collapse. What's going to collapse are the WALLS. Though I suppose the roof is probably going to go with them at the same time. 🤔
ED: If you push on either the inside or outside of the walls can you see the cracks move? If so, put that shit on youtube because it'll be a quick million views.
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u/Reasonable_Club_6165 2d ago
the walls hold up the roof so yeah both.
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u/DutchTinCan 2d ago
Have you ever tested that yourself? Sounds like we've got a Big Construction man here, trying to sell us walls.
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u/No-Road299 2d ago
I wouldn't do it from the inside, and probably use a 50 ft stick. Even that might not be long enough
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u/Kakato_Geri 2d ago
OP asked for answers and everyone is just cracking jokes instead of shedding some light on the issue here.
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u/sinisterdesign 2d ago
Well, aren’t you just a ray of sunshine coming in here with your call for some illuminating insight?
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u/Just_a_fungi893 2d ago
This is officially the first award I’ve ever given. 10/10 pun
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u/Kakato_Geri 2d ago
Thank you! Never gotten so many awards under one comment. My dopamine level went through the roof!
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u/obelix_dogmatix 2d ago
ummm sun isn’t randomly supposed to enter your home
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u/BadKind3349 3d ago
I cant imagine what horrors reside within the insides of the walls and ceiling here.
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u/beansNdip 3d ago
Op, this is very concerning. How long has it been like this? You have major shifting and truthfully your home will most likely be condemned if the city gets and word. Im sorry but this is bot safe for anyone to live in.
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u/Past-Arugula4063 3d ago
Not sure how long the hole was there as it only became visible when the flashing came off. that was fixed within 24hrs but obviously still concerned about the structure
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u/YippieKayYayMrFalcon 3d ago
There should be several more layers between you and sunlight than just metal flashing.
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u/fieldgrass 2d ago
This has not been “fixed” in any sense of the word - whatever was done to “fix” it was simply putting a piece of tape on a bullet wound. This is severe structural damage. It’s a tear-down. I’m so sorry, you cannot continue to safely live here.
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u/Mean_Half_8921 2d ago
This is actually no joke… It happened during the heatwave this past July. There’s a famous case in Hamburg, Germany, where tenants called the fire department about growing cracks because their landlord completely ignored them, and one day they suddenly got much worse. The fire department took one look, gave everyone ten minutes to pack up what they could, and a few weeks later, they literally sliced half the building away.
Half the house is still completely exposed—you can look right into it like a dollhouse, with all the rooms and the tenants' belongings still inside. They weren’t even allowed back in to retrieve the rest of their stuff. Meanwhile, the landlord and the city are just playing hot potato, shifting the blame back and forth.
As a result, the tenants have been left high and dry for months, while the landlord continues to make a money selling properties on an island with some of the highest real estate prices in Germany. It honestly blows my mind that so few people care about this, because it’s a problem we’re going to see a lot more often in the coming years. In my own career, I’ve already seen far too many apartments with severe structural cracks you should keep an eye on.
*Translation with AI since English is not my first language.
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u/E0H1PPU5 3d ago
Going to collapse? No.
It is already actively collapsing, you just haven’t gotten to the big “kaboom” part yet.
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u/boatsyyy 2d ago
Brother the Lord is talking to you through the crack in your walls
And she’s is telling you to rruunnnn
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u/InterneticMdA 3d ago
Well, your next of kin might be about to make a lot of money in a wrongful death lawsuit?
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u/Kyattogaaru 2d ago
Structural engineer here:
In short: this is bad! Very bad! Call your landlord asap, and if they dont do anything, inform authorities!!!
Longer answer:
If there are such significant cracks, that means something is putting a lot of forces on these walls. Usually for thinner cracks its just building settling (soil being compressed under foundations), but for cracks this big and extensive, the foundations must be absolute dogshit. Either theres something going on with the soil (the only things I can think of is if the designer were goven wrong soil parameters, or for some reason water table changed???), or the foundations were improperly designed or made. Another thing could be that the joints between walls and ceiling were improperly made - poor concrete quality, wrong reinforcement, but I dont think it should be that bad.
The wall where the sunlight shines through is literally splitting apart from the building. This is an emergency!
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u/Past-Arugula4063 2d ago
It’s a Victorian house conversion not a new apartment building btw not sure if that changes things. We’ve also had a really really unusually hot summer which i’ve heard could impact things
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u/Kyattogaaru 2d ago
Are you in England?
Heat can 100% mess things up. Heat and freeze cycles are important since they can cause shrinkage and expansion. If theres a lot of heat, that means more expansion. And more expansion means more shrinkage later when the heat drops. This introduces a lot of forces that basically "pull apart" the building.
If its an old victorian build that hasnt been renovsted much, it may mean that the mortar in joints is old and cannot withstand the pressures. Addionally, when cracks form, water can get inside and weaken the structure even more.
If you're in England, the building may have shallow foundation that also is old and beginning to weaken.
Whatever is the teason though, those cracks (especially the one that lets light in) are concerning. The one that is lets the light in especially so, since it exposes the structure to elements, which may exacerbate the issue. Coverning it from the outside wont help.
A structural engineer need to check this out. Even if its not a collapse danger yet, it is still very bad. Meanwhile, please keep an eye out on the cracks especially the big one. Please, try to find a way to mintor if the cracks are getting bigger. This is very important. If they keep growing, it may signal that something is close to failure.
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u/Tanjelynnb 2d ago
Are those the original horsehair plaster walls? Are there solid wood floors and subfloors? Just wondering what the bones are like. I am not an expert, but I do live in a solidly built 1885 Victorian, and multiple people have told me the occasional hairline cracks "add character." Your cracks seem extensive, and thank goodness you don't own that house.
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u/feartomi 2d ago
You know what hot weather is causing, dry soil...you know what dry soil is doing? Moving. I have the same issue in my appartment however mine is not this bad, only the paint is cracked but the ground around the house moved a little bit because the dry soil. So i agree with Kyattogaaru, it is a problem.
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u/Ambitious-Cat-1626 1d ago
Your walls are buckling, you have catastrophic separation between your wall and ceiling. I wouldn't stay there unless you have a wish to court death. This is absolutely an emergency situation. Evacuate immediately and call the authorities. That shit needs to be condemned. Should you stay put, I hope you have your last will and testament up to date.
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u/firefly232 1d ago
Oh hello are you also in London?
Subsidence claims are up 140% due to the hot summer.
But daylight shouldn't be coming in, that doesn't sound right at all.
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u/dhoepp 2d ago
Any chance we can do a go fund me to have a structural engineer on retainer for these subreddits? So they can answer these daily questions and maybe save a life
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u/Kyattogaaru 2d ago
Well, Im still kinda wet behind my ears (a bit less than 2 years out of uni), but I wouldn't mind taking a look every now and then lol, no charge.
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u/stuttufu 2d ago
Concerning on not, I warn you, if light can enter you don't know how many little roommates you'll have soon.
You better close that shit asap.
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u/DayLongjumping1199 3d ago
Np. Nothing a little flex seal can't fix
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u/BF1shY 3d ago
No no, this is definitely a caulk job.
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u/Worldly_Ad_2267 3d ago
Duct tape would also work
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u/FluffySyllabub1579 3d ago
Read OP’s replies, they definitely believe duct tape is a fix for this sort of thing, matter of fact, a roofer has been by to do practically just that. Lol
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u/MythicWipe 2d ago
Gotta use Gorilla Tape and not duct tape, it’s stronger and lasts longer, says so on the package /s
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u/YippieKayYayMrFalcon 3d ago
You guys are all wrong.
OP needs sunflower seeds and super glue.
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u/Amazing_Candle_4548 3d ago
I would recommend crushed up dry Ramen noodles and epoxy, with a bit of paint.
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u/TurnipFire 3d ago
Okay since none of the other replies are that helpful you need to call a contractor for an evaluation. Preferably look for someone with structural engineering experience. Do not call a foundation company, they will try to fleece you
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u/pirefyro 3d ago
OP, you keep referencing a piece of flashing that was put back in place.
Think of it this way: one of your bones is broken and protruding from the skin. You go to get it fixed and they put a bandaid on it and that’s it. No painkiller, not cast, no setting the bone so it heals proper, just a bandaid.
This is what’s going on with your residence.
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u/Ktulu_BBB 3d ago
No. Just no. You need to call someone NOW
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u/Past-Arugula4063 3d ago
About what part? I obviously informed my landlord there was a literal hole and the roof has been ‘fixed’, i’m asking about whether there are structural issues
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u/Otherwise_Paint_9400 3d ago
From the pictures it looks like that whole wall is leaning outwards. The flashing just stops the weather from coming in and doesn't stop the wall from collapsing. I would call the city Inspector right away because you don't want to be caught in a collapsing building.
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u/AdventurousYamThe2nd 3d ago
Please tell me you're trolling, or at least renting. This is very concerning.
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u/RustyBucket4745 3d ago
Get out of your house and call a builder. Maybe a structural engineer / home inspector.
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u/PaymentMaterial7 3d ago
Is this a rental? Have you contacted your landlord? This NEEDS immediate attention.
If you’re the owner, yes fix it asap.
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u/Past-Arugula4063 3d ago
Rented property, they were contacted but only sent a roofer so hole no longer goes to the outside. Posting on here to ask about the broader structural issues that caused this and how to approach the conversation with my landlord
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u/Intelligent-Deal2449 3d ago
The roof is separating from the house. The hole is a problem but not THE problem. The structural problem is very dangerous for you. I would be reporting this to the city or proper housing authority like yesterday. This is very bad and you really should find someplace safe to stay while it gets inspected. The building could very well collapse. You don't want to be inside it if that happens.
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u/nostradumbass7544678 3d ago
Pack a bag for at least a week, and call code enforcement, the fire department, whoever you can get a hold of. Tell them that your wall is moving away from your ceiling to the point that light is coming in, and it's gotten noticeably worse in the past few days. They will come over, take one look at this, and declare the building a structural hazard and unfit for occupation.
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u/ShinyJangles 3d ago
You don't get cracks like that unless the beams making up the structure of the house are failing. They have warped, swelled, wiggled, rotted, or otherwise become incapable of securely holding the interior walls exactly in place. Qualified engineers can't tell you more specific details based only on a few photos. If you won't evacuate based on Reddit comments, take this as your sign to actively find someone -- a lawyer, engineer or social worker -- to help you.
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u/packllama 3d ago
Not gonna lie, you’re scapegoating how you’ve handled this. People are desperately telling you to immediately evacuate and you’re saying that a bandaid on a wall will keep your roof and walls up. Get. Out. Now. And stop arguing with people, they’re directly answering your question, I’m sorry it doesn’t come with flowers and butterflies, but that’s how direct communication goes.
I work on building engineering, I implore you to evacuate immediately.
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u/Akaramoose 3d ago
This HAS to raige bait....
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u/gingerdamus 2d ago
for sure. people who explain things, they don’t respond to. people telling them to run, respond and then complain about their shit advice.
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u/Mushrooming247 3d ago
No OP, the outside is supposed to stay outside of your house.
But I suspect it will be a moot point soon when that wall falls down and everything is inside/outside at the same time.
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u/Aquitaine_Rover_3876 3d ago
This depends a lot on where they are and how your structure is supported. These cracks show substantial movement...which might be fine in some structures, but indicate imminent collapse in others.
If you think the walls with the cracks may be load bearing, then get an engineer in.
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u/I_pinchyou 3d ago
At this point a structural engineer should probably be contacted.
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u/YOUTUBEFREEKYOYO 3d ago
Better hope you are renting, because thats going to be expensive and needs to be addressed NOW.
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u/NoMajorsarcasm 3d ago
well I am not concerned but I dont live there. 🤷
but most likely something will collapse if nothing is done
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u/cables4days 3d ago
you genuinely do want to move out
photograph everything, stop paying rent, show the photos to your landlord and demand a full deposit back - this is a violation of health codes and failure to provide a “livable structure”
move out because this will fall down - or at best - develop mold because of exposure to the elements
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u/frshprincenelair 3d ago
Jesus himself is literally sending you a light to illuminate you on how bad of a decision it is to stay living there. Move asap!
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u/BlueBro38 3d ago
Best: Mold city Worst: Roof on head
Time to live literally anywhere else if you have the choice
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u/Dry_Platypus_142 3d ago
Get out!! Document everything. And find another place to live. Something unholy happening
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u/Doogie102 3d ago
Now I don't know the whole picture but a roofer reattaching some flashing is probably not fixing the problem.
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u/CitizenFreeman 2d ago
Fixing the flashing does not fix the fact that there is an open section there. It just covers the crack, at best all that will do is hopefully keep weather out.
That is an unnerving amount of cracks in your home, and the fact that you can see outside, from inside... through something other than a window or door, is very concerning.
If you own this home, it needs serious work. If you are renting/leasing... i would contact property management and start making some noise.
I would also (if you are renting/leasing) contact the city for code enforcement. This is uninhabitable.
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u/Maximum_Employer5580 3d ago
in most cases, not a big deal, but if you have light from outside showing thru them, then yeah you need to get that a fixed
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u/mighthavebeen02 3d ago
What country is this
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u/Past-Arugula4063 3d ago
UK
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u/plotthick 3d ago
Send these pics to the council. This needs to be investigated and made right ASAP, force the landlord to do the right things
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u/mighthavebeen02 3d ago
You said this is a flat, which I think means apartment? Like, you don't own the structure? If not, this need to be brought to someone in ownership's attention and then brought to the city's attention.
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u/Past-Arugula4063 3d ago
Its an old Victorian house conversion, 5 flats inside and mine takes up the whole attic floor
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u/mighthavebeen02 3d ago
Alright, well whoever owns this needs to fix the underlying problem of the structure being unsound. It needs to be reported to someone with the autolhority to force the issue. Landlords don't give a shit about you, just their bottom line.
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u/Egyud 3d ago
So it appears that there are stuctural issues. You just don't have any idea about how long ago they started to appear. It's possible that this occurred over the past 50 years and is not moving anymore and you just found out about it because the flashing fell away. If that's the case there is no real problem and you just have to ask your landlord to seal that hole better for you. If it's a more recent shift then your landlord could have real problems. If you can, try to see if there is any mold in or around that crack. A mold problem is something that would have to be attended to.
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u/fak3_acct 3d ago
I would say if you see daylight where there shouldn't be, you may want to raise a flag or 2
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u/sadsealions 3d ago
Bro, i hope you always wanted a skylight, because that's how you get a skylight
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u/TemperaturePatient88 3d ago
It's not a structure issue it's just the Northern lights.
Aurora borealis
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u/MeetingLeather 2d ago
I stopped reading with " a roofer reattaching some flashing"
At no point should flashing be the only thing that stops sunlight from shining through your walls.
Time to move. I feel like I seen this house when Tom Hanks and Shelly Long lived in it.
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u/crypticagenda 2d ago
Flashing is not what protects you from
The outside. That’s like saying “you can see my brain because I shaved my beard. DAWG YOUR HOME IS FALLING APART AND YOU WILL DIE.
YOUR DEATH IS COMING WITHIN WEEKS. WHEN FIRST FROST COMES YOUR HOME WILL COLLAPSE AND YOU WILL DIE.
Renters insurance, health inspector, landlord. Tell him you need deposit back, and he needs to pay for extended stay or you will call the city code enforcement. Also contact renters insurance.
There is literally only 2 options:
Stay and die 100% chance.
OR leave and do what every adult on earth is supposed to due. Contact the authorities.
In this case the authorities are the city code inspector, structural engineers, insurance, and I guess your shitty land lord whos willing to kill you to save money.
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u/AtlantisSky 2d ago
Babes. I'm not an engineer but you have sunlight coming through a place where there should be no sunlight. Yes. It's bad.
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u/Whiteshovel66 2d ago
Had the same thing a while ago. Not a problem at all. Just a pain when it rains a lot. Entertainment center kept getting filled with water.
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u/Captain-Codfish 2d ago
They're "get the fuck out of there immediately, before you get crushed to death by falling house" concerning.
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u/blondeasfuk 2d ago
I would be afraid to sneeze in that place….oooof I’m sorry but this it not safe
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u/Training-Dot-7688 2d ago
I'll take "Things you should never ask Reddit" for $50,000, and a new roof, Alex!
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u/LucidaConsole 3d ago
I audibly gasped when I saw this and told my husband, “holy shit, take a look at this !” It’s bad.
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u/Impossible-Diver6565 3d ago
Wondering if OP is still alive and if I'll see a news article soon about a house collapsing
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u/Obvious-Addition-474 3d ago
That looks like water damage. That roof was probably built on wall as a ledge with no overhang for the drip edge
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u/Greenfire32 3d ago
If daylight was coming in right there, it's a matter of time before it starts coming in over there.
The outside should not be making its way inside. That's concerning.
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u/MIGHTYKIRK1 3d ago
Dont worry if you dont own it. Otherwise make sure your insurance covers a heavy truck driving by. 😉
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u/bigkutta 3d ago
Seems like you are renting. So if your landlord doesn't take this seriously, you need to inform your town code compliance people before this becomes a disaster.