Common Causes of Drywall Cracks and How to Fix Them
In homes and buildings, drywall cracks are a typical problem that can detract from the overall appearance of the walls and ceilings. Some cracks might be surface-level, while others might indicate more serious structural problems. It’s crucial to comprehend the reasons behind drywall cracks and know how to treat them if you want to keep your home’s structural integrity and appearance preserved. Here, we’ll look at the most typical reasons why drywall cracks occur as well as the best fixes for them.
Common Causes of Drywall Cracks
- Settling of the Building
One of the most common causes of drywall cracks is the natural settling of a building over time. As a house ages, the foundation can shift or settle slightly due to changes in soil moisture, temperature, or the weight distribution of the building.
Signs: Cracks caused by settling typically appear around doors, windows, and corners. They may be small and hairline at first but can widen over time.
Areas Affected: You’ll often find these cracks in new homes within the first few years as the structure adjusts to the environment.
- Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations
Materials that expand and contract include wood and drywall, which are affected by changes in humidity and temperature. This movement may cause the drywall to become stressed and cracks.
Signs: Thin, erratic-pattern cracks are typically caused by temperature or humidity variations. They are particularly prevalent in places like attics, basements, or next to heating and cooling vents where there are large temperature fluctuations.
Areas Affected: As moisture levels change, areas with high humidity, including bathrooms or kitchens, are also prone to drywall cracking.
- Poor Installation
Improper installation of drywall can also lead to cracking. This can include issues such as improper joint taping, inadequate fastening, or failure to allow for the natural movement of materials.
Signs: If drywall was poorly installed, cracks may form along seams or joints where the sheets of drywall meet. These cracks often appear straight and may be accompanied by peeling tape or bubbling.
Areas Affected: Cracks from poor installation usually occur along drywall seams or in areas where the drywall panels meet.
- Issues with the Foundation
Serious cracks in the drywall may indicate issues with the foundation. Both the interior and exterior walls of a house may develop cracks as a result of an uneven or shifting foundation.
Signs: Cracks related to the foundation are typically wider and may exhibit a stair-step appearance. They can get bigger over time and frequently run vertically or diagonally.
Areas Affected: The basement or lower floors of the house, as well as doors and windows, are usually where these breaks appear.
How to Fix Drywall Cracks
- Hairline Cracks
Tools Needed:
- Joint compound (spackling paste)
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer and paint
Steps:
- Clean the Crack: Use a utility knife to lightly scrape the crack to remove loose material.
- Apply Joint Compound: Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of joint compound over the crack. Smooth it out and ensure it blends with the surrounding area.
- Sand the Surface: Once the compound is dry, sand it smooth using fine-grit sandpaper.
- Prime and Paint: After sanding, apply a primer to the area, then repaint it to match the rest of the wall.
- Cracks Along Drywall Seams
Tools Needed:
- Joint tape (paper or mesh)
- Joint compound
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer and paint
Steps:
- Eliminate Loose Tape: Take off any loose tape if the crack is located near a peeling tape seam.
- Put New Joint Tape on: Cover the seam with fresh joint tape.
- Apply Joint Compound: Using a putty knife, spread joint compound over the tape, feathering out the edges so they blend in with the wall.
- Sand and Paint: After the compound dries, sand the surface, prime it, and paint it.
- Large or Structural Cracks
Tools Needed:
- Joint compound
- Drywall mesh or patch
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer and paint
Steps:
- Inspect the Crack: If the crack is large or shows signs of structural damage (e.g., widening over time), consider consulting a professional to assess the underlying cause.
- Reinforce with Mesh: For non-structural large cracks, apply drywall mesh over the crack to provide reinforcement.
- Apply Joint Compound: Spread joint compound over the mesh, smoothing it with a putty knife.
- Sand and Finish: Once the compound is dry, sand it smooth, prime the surface, and apply paint.
Conclusion
Drywall cracks are a common problem, but they don’t always signal major structural issues. Many cracks can be repaired with simple materials and tools. However, understanding the underlying cause of the crack is essential for ensuring that the problem doesn’t persist. If you are looking for the experienced professionals for this work so you can also take Drywall Medic in under consideration here are their contact details:
- Victoria, BC: #136 – 2936 Amy Rd, Victoria, BC, V9B 0B2, Contact Number- 250-880-8849,
- Vancouver, BC: 6894 192 St, Surrey, BC V4N 0B7, Contact Number- 604-913-4656