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I was hoping for a bit of advice on whether a structural engineer should be requested or watch and wait..
Context:
*1880s Victorian semi
*Attic converted in some time in late 1980s early 1990s judging by vintage velux
*Attic accessed by staircase so has an unsupported section.
*Erected some bookcases, but perhaps more importantly had a giant stack of unconstructed IKEA bookcases all in one place pre-construction (fool!)
Noticed that the plaster in the downstairs bedroom had split along the join in two locations and a hairline crack appeared next to the staircase. The staircase location is slightly bowed, and has been bowed in the past, but obviously crack shows more movement. Inspecting the bedroom, does look like a crack has been previously repaired which I'd never noticed before.
Completed a fill job on the cracks which can be improved.
My questions are linked:
1) Is this likely to be a structural concern or a "one off" joist has had loading shift?
2) Is it likely to worsen over time - i.e. wooden joist continuing to slowly bend?
3) should I be getting those bookcases off ASAP?
Staircase location is probably of most concern as unsupported, the bookcases with the window are close to it (internal window) and deliberately very lightly loaded - though I'd guess probably still 60kg for both. The internal walls on the floor below are solid brick, so unsupported element is presumably the rough width of the hallway.
Thinking any further movement would show in the form of a crack reappearing, but wondering if that's a silly approach and should be more proactive?
Context:
*1880s Victorian semi
*Attic converted in some time in late 1980s early 1990s judging by vintage velux
*Attic accessed by staircase so has an unsupported section.
*Erected some bookcases, but perhaps more importantly had a giant stack of unconstructed IKEA bookcases all in one place pre-construction (fool!)
Noticed that the plaster in the downstairs bedroom had split along the join in two locations and a hairline crack appeared next to the staircase. The staircase location is slightly bowed, and has been bowed in the past, but obviously crack shows more movement. Inspecting the bedroom, does look like a crack has been previously repaired which I'd never noticed before.
Completed a fill job on the cracks which can be improved.
My questions are linked:
1) Is this likely to be a structural concern or a "one off" joist has had loading shift?
2) Is it likely to worsen over time - i.e. wooden joist continuing to slowly bend?
3) should I be getting those bookcases off ASAP?
Staircase location is probably of most concern as unsupported, the bookcases with the window are close to it (internal window) and deliberately very lightly loaded - though I'd guess probably still 60kg for both. The internal walls on the floor below are solid brick, so unsupported element is presumably the rough width of the hallway.
Thinking any further movement would show in the form of a crack reappearing, but wondering if that's a silly approach and should be more proactive?
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