Dave Your Home Inspector

Now that we understand what Truss Lift is, what can we do about it?  If you have no idea what I’m talking about, this would be a good time to go back and read last week’s entry.  Go ahead……..I’ll wait!

Truss Lift is a naturally occurring phenomenon that would be most easily and cost effectively addressed before it occurs.  In other words, it should be fixed during the building process.  Since so many people are experiencing the effects, it is apparent that this is not happening.

In most cases you cannot prevent Truss Lift from happening, but what you can do is minimize the unsightly cracking that it causes.  The easiest way to mask the cracks is to attach a crown molding over the affected areas.  During installation, attach the molding only to the ceiling (not the walls).  This allows the molding to move up and down with the ceiling and keeps the cracks covered.

If that isn’t the answer for you, then you can follow these three steps:

• Install slotted ‘L’ brackets which secure the truss to the wall (in the attic) but leave room for the truss to move up and down.
• Remove screws or nails from ceiling drywall 18” away from wall. 
• Secure a 1X6 stop plate to the top of the wall (in the attic) to prevent ceiling drywall from lifting with the truss.

Once you have completed these steps you can repair the corner, touchup the paint and say goodbye to those ugly cracks!

If you have any questions about your home whether it is related to Truss Lift or not, feel free to call our office.  If you are experiencing cracking in your home and are not sure what the cause is, it’s time to call and schedule a maintenance inspection.  Don’t wait.  Call today!

David Novalinski

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040

Many homeowners are experiencing a frustrating occurrence in their homes.  Cracks are appearing in corners where the interior walls meet the ceiling.  These cracks may be small and hardly noticeable or they may be large gaping cracks that catch the eye of every visitor to the home.  These cracks seem to be most visible in the dead of the winter and almost non-existent in the summer.

If I have just described your house, you may be experiencing a common phenomenon called “Truss Lift”.  A truss is an engineered roofing member which has an top chord and a bottom chord connected by a number of cross members in geometric shapes.  The top chord forms the roof line and the bottom chord makes up the interior ceiling.  Many builders prefer to use a truss system when building houses because of strength and cost, but they do have drawbacks. 

A Typical Truss

The bottom chord, which is normally covered with insulation, is in constant contact with the heated air inside the home.  That part of the truss stays warm and dry.  The top chord is in the vented attic and is exposed to the cold, moist outside air.  The difference in moisture content causes the top chord to swell which pulls up the center of the bottom chord causing cracks.  Truss Lift is not a very attractive look (especially during the winter) but it is a typically harmless and naturally occurring phenomenon.

What can you do if you are experiencing Truss Lift in your home?  Tune in again next week as we look into some of the most common remedies.  

If you are experiencing cracking walls or ceilings in your home but are not sure of the cause, call today to schedule a maintenance inspection. 

David Novalinski

About Your Home Inspection, Inc.

847 669 9040