Cracks in paint the attic under the roof

Submitted by 40klaw t3_z8p4h0 in DIY

Hello everyone,

Just looking to get your opinions on this.

We have a loft/attic under the roof. It was painted by a professional company about 6 months ago.

I am noticing that there are already cracks in the paint.

Was researching and some people are saying it could just be the roof expanding and contracting in the cold.

Wanted to check what you all thought might be the cause of these.

Here are some photos

https://imgur.com/a/pCWSKCF

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Comments

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SheepGoesBaaaa t1_iyckrii wrote

It's just natural movement. Added to by any walking around up there

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40klaw OP t1_iyd6ozb wrote

Appreciate it. I was concerned that there was a more serious issue at hand. I don’t see any signs of water leakage or anything, just the cracks

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CLIMBFIFAMobile t1_iycqwe0 wrote

Unfortunately that is exactly what happens when painting inside a surface exposed to the elements.

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40klaw OP t1_iyd6snv wrote

Yeah we painted the whole inside of the house, the attic/loft included. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t a more serious issue at hand like water damage or a leaky roof.

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CLIMBFIFAMobile t1_iye0arc wrote

If you had wet spots or stains I would be worried, but you should be fine

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DotAccomplished5484 t1_iyczex6 wrote

That is not the paint cracking; it is the wall that is cracking. As others have stated, it is not usual.

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40klaw OP t1_iyd7808 wrote

I think you are correct, it may just be the way the wall is. I understand that it may be due to the natural movement of the house from what I have read. Do you think there is another issue at play based on the photos?

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DotAccomplished5484 t1_iyd8bdx wrote

I do not see anything else, but there are limitations using photos. It would not hurt to have a handyman or other professional to look at the walls.

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ebonwulf60 t1_iydbdub wrote

The only times I have seen straight cracks like these is when there is wall movement or when drywall tape fails due to moisture. This is an exterior wall so you may have moisture seeping in through your siding or from around that window.

It could be that the framing around that window is slack and the wind load is allowing the wall to flex. What is curious is that the cracks are only beneath the window and only vertical. If there was flex, a structural failing, I would presume to see diagonal cracks from the corners of the window.

You can have someone test for moisture content in the wall. I would call someone who does basement waterproofing. They would have the tool.

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