Drywall Crack
Cracks in drywall often signal the house settling naturally, but they can also point to serious issues like foundation problems (uneven sinking), moisture damage (leaks), soil instability (clay soil expansion), or structural weakness, with diagonal or wide cracks usually indicating more significant concerns than simple hairline ones. While minor, seasonal shifts cause cosmetic cracks, cracks radiating from door/window corners, horizontal cracks, or those that are widening suggest underlying movement or water damage needing professional attention.
Common Causes & What They Mean:
- Foundation Settling: Natural, slight shifts as a home settles, often causing hairline cracks.
- Soil Issues: Clay soil expanding/contracting with moisture changes or poor soil compaction causes foundation movement, leading to cracks, especially diagonal ones.
- Water Damage: Leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows can weaken drywall and soil, causing cracks and potential mold.
- Temperature/Humidity Changes: Seasonal shifts make materials expand and contract, leading to minor cracks.
- Structural Problems: Improper framing, foundation deterioration, or soil issues can create significant cracks.
- Poor Installation: Bad taping or mudding can cause straight cracks.
When to Be Concerned:
- Diagonal cracks: from window/door corners (foundation settling).
- Wide cracks: (over 1/4 inch).
- Horizontal cracks, especially if long.
- Jagged or erratic cracks .
- Cracks that are getting bigger: or reappearing after repair.
- Cracks accompanied by sticking doors/windows, bowed walls, or sinking floors.
Less Concerning Cracks:
- Hairline cracks: Usually cosmetic, from normal settling or seasonal changes.
- Straight, thin cracks: Often poor taping.