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[email protected] hallerb@aol.com is offline
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Default Cracks in Plaster Due to Very Cold Temperatures

On Nov 1, 7:07�am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
frank1492 wrote:
I think this theory is incorrect. My GF is selling her mother's house
and is
reluctant to shut down the heat and drain the pipes over the winter.
(We live in the Northeast.) She was told by an "expert" that the
plaster will crack. I regularly shut my heat off for the winter at my
summer home, and have never had cracks in my plaster ceilings.
� � �I'd like your comments. Obviously sudden temperature changes
might do it, but not one slow drop.
� � Thanks in advance for help.


Freezing temps alone will not crack your plaster. � � BUT.. . . .
No way would I shut the heat off in a house I was selling.

I want the most comfortable house for both agents and buyers to visit.
I *don't want little surprises when I turn the water back on- leaky
valves, busted pipes that didn't get drained, cracked toilet tanks.
The wonderful smell of 3 month old pee from someone peeing in a toilet
that wont flush.
A furnace that is now balking because it sat idle for so long.

By the time you pay a plumber to properly drain all those pipes- even
if nothing goes wrong- you can probably buy enough fuel to keep a
closed up house at 50 degrees or so.

I *would* suggest a remote readable thermostat that calls if the temp
drops to dangerous levels. � �I haven't ever researched them but my
B-I-L has one. �He can call it an hour before he reaches �the camp so
it is nice and toasty when he gets there. � � � � The cost will be
made up for in peace of mind and the 'wow' factor when she gives the
number to the realtor.

Jim


I have personally seen plaster crack from expansion and contraction.
the old pittsburgh airport had a severe case of that after the heat
was bturned off in most areas. they had thought of turning the
building into a aircraft museum. one stumbling block was repairing
millions in cracked peeling plaster, it spalls and falls off.

made worse by colder temperatures combined with higher humidity when
heat is turned off.

moisture is trapped in plaster, when the moisture freezes it expands,
and plaster spalls.

I sold a vacant home years ago, kept it around 50 degrees, with light
that would flash if it got below 40, light was in window. neighbors
kept look out for flashing light.

i shut the main water valve so a leak couldnt flood anything.

a freezing house discourages shppers from spending time, which is
necessary for sale.

dont shut off heat.

owner might be better off to get a friend or realtive to live in home
for free, just pay utilities.

vacant homes are a major vandal arson target.

have they notified the homeowners insurance? it costs many times more
to insure a vacant home, and with heat off theres no way to claim
anyone was living there