mrsccincy

nealtw - Ha! Perhaps he's using the crazy-high fee he collected from us for this job to support said drug problem? Seriously though, thank you. You have given me a solution to explore.

nealtw

I you took an 18 ft 2x6 with a 1" crown it and locked the ends you would find that you could push it straight and one toe nail would hold it there. I would waite until the wall comes back by itself.
Wuzzat; You might build a staircase with a curve but I doubt you will ever bend one sideways.

mrsccincy

nealtw - Is this what you were thinking? http://www.oldhousejournal.com/how_to_repair_your_stairs/magazine/1579

nealtw

With the amount of glue built into modern stairs they won't likely pull apart like that. If the stairs were attachec properly or suffently and the wall really wanted to move you would like find the bottom of the stringer wood break off and go with the wall. That is why I suggested a 2x10 on the flat under the stringer.

mrsccincy

Okay. Now I get it. Thank you!

nealtw

Here's picture of ballon framing, you can see what is stopping the full length studs from bending.

Wuzzat?

If this problem is not structural it must be cosmetic, so there must be a cosmetic solution that doesn't cause structural problems.
I think.

nealtw

This may not be a load bairring wall but it is structure, there by making a structual issue. Good building practice is to nail or attach any components that tough each other in the building. Either this was missed or has failed, so it should be fixed.

mrsccincy

nealtw - Yes, it was nailed, but the nails pulled out. When the gap opened to the widest point last winter I could see them.

nealtw

If it has just started to move you may be able to pull it back now, just start a bunch of large screws or lag bolts and gradually tighten them a little at a time until it comes back tight.