Cracks - how to identify structural damage

[Josh Liberty]

We moved into our house recently. It was built in the 1930s, but since we moved in new cracks appeared around the stairs/hall/landing area (the only area where we can see the walls really, as the others have wallpapers or have been recently skimmed).

There are cracks running along the staircase and the wall, as well as the between the wall and ceiling in the hall. There are also a few hairline cracks which cover both the wall and the ceiling.

I can fix them using filler (was going to use caulk), but I'm not sure whether they might suggest structural damage (the only change recently is that we got a new roof). Would be great to get some advice/thoughts.

Some photos:



Thanks!

 

[KenGMac]

Josh Liberty, good evening.

First the images posted do not indicate any Structural issues at all !

Stairs, a very, very common problem, suggest you clean of the timber, and get rid of any filler on the top of the stair stringer. then find a small moulding that you fancy, similar to a "Quadrant molding" and glue that ---TO THE WALL --- that way any minor movement of the timber will be masked by the beading.

As for the plaster cracks on the ceiling / wall consider a cove to hide this area??

Ken.