Drywall Cracks

Cracks in your drywall can raise questions—and concerns. What do these cracks mean? What could be causing them? Often, drywall cracks are symptomatic of underlying foundation issues that need professional attention. 

What Are Drywall Cracks? 

Drywall cracks are fractures that appear in the drywall boards that make up your interior walls and ceilings. These cracks are often indicators of shifts or settling in the home’s foundation. Drywall is not known for its structural strength, making it susceptible to cracking when there’s movement below. 

Common signs of drywall cracks include: 

• Diagonal cracks extending from corners of doors or windows up toward the ceiling 
• Cracks above doors and windows 
• Long horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings 
• Spiderweb-like crack patterns 
• Even minor fissures could signify serious foundation problems. The larger the crack, the more urgent the need for a foundation assessment. 

What Causes Drywall Cracks? 

Drywall cracks can arise from several factors: 

• Settling and Soil Movement: All homes will eventually experience some settlement as the soil naturally compacts. However, excessive or uneven settlement due to erosion, compression, or soil expansion causes foundation cracks that transfer to the drywall.  
• Structural Foundation Issues: Problems like sinking supports or bowed walls lead to drywall cracking as the foundation moves.  
• Home Additions or Renovations: Sometimes, home improvements or remodeling can lead to additional weight distributed disproportionately, foundational changes and therefore cracking. 
• Water Damage: Water intrusion from leaky pipes, poor drainage or gutters can weaken or erode the soil surrounding a home’s foundation leading to cracks.  

Ignoring these signs risks escalating problems and costly future repairs. 

How Can Drywall Cracks Be Fixed? 

The appearance of drywall cracks often signals a deeper issue that may lie with your home’s foundation. While you may be tempted to simply patch up these unsightly lines and repaint the wall, it’s crucial to understand that this can be a Band-Aid solution if the root cause isn’t addressed.

Why Should I Address Drywall Cracks Now? 

The impulse to ignore or postpone dealing with drywall cracks is understandable; after all, these issues often seem cosmetic and easily fixable. However, the reality is far different, and delaying action can result in a range of problems that are both costlier and more complicated to resolve: 

• Drywall cracks get worse over time. 
• Drywall cracks can lower your home’s resale value, not only because of the aesthetic but because of what the cracks reveal about the home’s foundation. 

The issues that lead to drywall cracks only become more complicated and severe over time, which in turn leads to more expense.  Source

Contact us today with any questions regarding drywall cracks! We would love to help!