1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 2 Top Causes Of Drywall Cracks The Framing Warps Changes In Humidity Movement Of Structure Bad Workmanship Popcorn Ceiling Removal Where Do Drywall Cracks Most Often Show Up? 4 When Should I Worry About Drywall Cracks? 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 0 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 1 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 2 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 3 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 4 1 Is It Normal For Drywall To Crack? 5 You’re not the only one who has spotted minor cracks in your drywall.
These fissures are widespread and are typically caused by settling, a shift in humidity, or stress on the house or framing. While most of the time these fissures are unimportant, they might occasionally be a sign of a house’s structural issues.
What you need to know is as follows.
IS CRACKING IN DRYWALL USUAL?
Drywall cracks are frequently purely aesthetic and completely normal. Considering how tiny they are, contractors frequently call these “hairline” cracks.
Applying drywall tape and joint compound over the crack before repainting your walls will quickly fix it as long as the damage isn’t structural.
PRIMARY REASONS FOR DRYWALL CRACKS These are the main causes if you’re unsure of what’s producing the cracks in your walls.
ARRANGEMENT WARPS Your drywall is backed by wood framing. If the wood is exposed to frequent temperature changes or low humidity, it may dry up and warp over time.
The drywall may develop fractures if the timber structure even slightly warps.
Variations in humidity One of the main reasons drywall cracks is changes in humidity. Humidity can cause moisture to build up inside of a house.
The drywall may crack if moisture builds up behind it, which frequently occurs near doors and windows.
On the other hand, if the humidity falls too low, your walls may suffer as a result of the drying effect.
TRANSFER OF STRUCTURE Hairline cracks can develop as a result of any structural movement. The usual settling of the home, storms, earthquakes, and exceptionally rainy or dry seasons are all potential causes of movement.
IMPLICIT WORKMANSHIP Poor workmanship is a frequently ignored factor in drywall cracking. For instance, if the drywall installer didn’t properly mud and tape, the wall may crack, and in extreme situations, the tape may even bubble.
Additionally, drywall panels may sag if they weren’t securely fastened to the studs. Cracks are nearly always caused by sagging.
REMOVING THE POPCONN CEILING The texture on your popcorn ceilings may have been scraped off, which is most likely why you’re noticing fractures in your ceiling.
WHERE DO DRYWALL CRACKS APPEAR THE MOST OFTEN? Around doors and windows is where drywall cracks are most likely to be found. This occurs as a result of increased stress and temperature swings in these regions.
In corners and where two pieces of drywall butt up against one another, drywall cracks are also frequently observed.
WHEN DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT DRYWALL CRACKS?
It may be an indication that foundation problems are to blame for your drywall cracks if you discover that your floors are no longer level or that your door or window frames are sagging. As a homeowner, you must hire a builder or structural engineer as soon as possible to assess the problem.
Another indication that your drywall cracks are significant is if they are persistent and wider than 1/8 inch.
QUESTIONS ABOUT DRYWALL CRACKS COMMONLY ASKED WHY DO SOME DRYWALL CRACKS REAPPEAR? If a drywall crack has been patched before and returned, there is a considerable possibility that the area is subject to significant temperature changes. The wrong way the drywall was installed or too much moisture beneath the wall are some more problems.
WHY DOES DRYWALL AROUND WINDOWS CRACK? The regions around windows and doors are among the most vulnerable to drywall cracking because they experience both high stress and frequent temperature changes.
WHAT CAUSES DRYWALL ON THE CEILING TO CRACK? House sinking or poor drywall installation are two common causes of ceiling cracks. For instance, the drywall panels may sag and fracture if the drywall contractors neglected to fasten them to the joists.
Like drywall on walls, ceilings can also become damaged by moisture and temperature changes.
HOW ARE DRYWALL CRACKS CORRECTED? You may use joint compound to patch up drywall gaps that are smaller than 1/8 inch wide. All you need is a little putty knife to smooth the compound over the cracks. Use fiberglass mesh tape rather than mud if your crack is larger than 1/8 of an inch.
Drywall mud should be lightly sanded with 120 grit sandpaper after it has dried for about 24 hours. If additional drywall compound is required, apply it, let it dry, and then resand.
CONCLUSION The majority of drywall cracks, particularly those near windows and doors, are quite natural. They frequently occur as a result of a home’s typical settling or variations in the temperature and humidity.
However, you should have your home assessed as soon as you see a crack larger than 1/8 of an inch or any other indications of structural deterioration.
