Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 110 posts · 37 votes
In your opinion, how bad and expensive are these two problems:
1. Crack in a slab foundation.
2. Water leak behind the wall that surrounds fireplace. Water stains are visible along this wall from the ceiling (two-story room) all the way down to the floor, with corresponding floor damage.
The house was built in 1994.
[Sorry some of the photos are sideways, I can't figure out how to rotate them.]
Frederick, MD · Member since 2015 · 654 posts · 256 votes
10y
Start in the attic and check out what's visible up there... it's possible the water just continued on the path of least resistance and worked it's way to the slab and then out underneath the wall plates, without causing any damage along the way. What's largely at risk is the framing, insulation and drywall. And since it appears to be a vertical problem and not a horizontal one, the extent of areas affected should be quite narrow.
If you're concerned, then you might have to cut in several inspection holes in the drywall to check.
Investor · Verona, NJ · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 832 votes
10y
The crack does not look bad, did you look inside to see if it goes further and wider at any point ? scratch it out and fill with a very flexible caulk - not a painters caulk. it is not wide and looks like a normal settling crack. as far as the fireplace, check where the roof meets the chimney, it may need to be re-flashed and tared also seal where the siding meets the chimney, it does not look like any signs of mildew and can be painted over with some kilz or any primer that will cover stains
Frederick, MD · Member since 2015 · 654 posts · 256 votes
10y
The slab crack appears to be minor from the photo and if there isn't a point load there or further evidence of a potential problem, I personally wouldn't give it much consideration, but have it checked out by a qualified local professional if you have concerns.
Areas to check regarding the water leak... where the siding meets the chimney, the chimney cap, the flue cap. Is the "damage" limited to the "staining"? I'm more concerned with what's not visible as the wall and floor staining aren't significant to me. Given the slab crack photo, I presume that there is no floor framing that might be damaged?
In part because I don't have enough information, as well as pricing and one's interpretation of expensive is subjective, I'll refrain from tossing out numbers.
Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 110 posts · 37 votes
10y
Thank you!
There seem to be no structural issues visible inside, so glad to hear the crack is not a big deal.
@Account Closed, what's behind the walls is exactly my concern. The roof has to be replaced, and that will take care of the leak, but I worry about the extent of the damage that I can't see yet..
Frederick, MD · Member since 2015 · 654 posts · 256 votes
10y
Start in the attic and check out what's visible up there... it's possible the water just continued on the path of least resistance and worked it's way to the slab and then out underneath the wall plates, without causing any damage along the way. What's largely at risk is the framing, insulation and drywall. And since it appears to be a vertical problem and not a horizontal one, the extent of areas affected should be quite narrow.
If you're concerned, then you might have to cut in several inspection holes in the drywall to check.