Hi all, we are buying a 300yr old terrace and have noticed that on the second floor internal wall between our house & the neighbours there are numerous large solid bulges. Although the floors are uneven upstairs there are no cracks on the outside of the house. The bulges have been wallpapered over in all the bedrooms but i can't feel any cracks and they appear to be longstanding. Has anybody else encountered these or know what's caused them? Also, would you expect these in a 300yr old cottage as part if the character or would you try to remove them?
- Thread starter thewookie
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MatthewC
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Hi Wookie - welcome to the forum.
Unless these bulges are affecting the structural intergrity, I would certainly advise saying that they add to the character and so leave them well alone. (NB It's a great excuse for little mistakes: "it adds character".)
As to whether the bulges are indeed structural: if they are papered over and the paper is old then they are probably fine; however, if the paper is very new, beware! Have you asked the neighbours what is happening on their side? Is it on one side of the house or on both sides (or is it an end terrace?). You might need to engage a structural engineer to do a survey... or just take a chance and get on with it.
Sorry for no clear answers but this forum always generates more questions than answers!
Matthew
Unless these bulges are affecting the structural intergrity, I would certainly advise saying that they add to the character and so leave them well alone. (NB It's a great excuse for little mistakes: "it adds character".)
As to whether the bulges are indeed structural: if they are papered over and the paper is old then they are probably fine; however, if the paper is very new, beware! Have you asked the neighbours what is happening on their side? Is it on one side of the house or on both sides (or is it an end terrace?). You might need to engage a structural engineer to do a survey... or just take a chance and get on with it.
Sorry for no clear answers but this forum always generates more questions than answers!
Matthew
88v8
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Round bulges or linear bulges?
Might be beams.
Distract the agent and poke them with a sharp knife.
Old walls were not necessarily designed to be flat.
Ivor
Might be beams.
Distract the agent and poke them with a sharp knife.
Old walls were not necessarily designed to be flat.
Ivor
Lime
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88v8 said:
Agreed.
Their purpose was to keep out the weather and support the roof.