So you have drywall in your home and then you start to notice a few cracks here and there. Now I know the first thought is to panic and start to consider costly repairs.
The truth of the matter is that drywall cracks are quite common and can be easily fixed with some simple measures.
So yes, cracks in drywalls are common in both new and older homes, and they can usually be fixed by re-taping the joints, or the seams where the drywall panels meet.
This article provides some answers about why drywall cracks happen, and explains why small drywall cracks are actually normal.
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Are cracks in drywall normal?
The margins of your walls and ceiling may occasionally develop cracks as your house settles into its foundation over time.
So, cracks that occur in the drywall seams or corners of your home are most likely normal and do not require any major repairs. It’s also important to watch for any signs of water damage that may be causing the cracks.
It’s usually not a problem if the cracks you notice in these places are minor or somewhat reminiscent of spiderwebs. However, cracks in the middle of a room may be an indication of a more serious issue.
If you’re seeing larger drywall cracks or sagging drywall joints, it’s best to contact a professional. These types of cracks can be indicative of foundation damage or other issues that require more than just a simple repair.
Ultimately, drywall cracks are common and can usually be easily repaired with a few simple steps. However, if the cracks seem to be serious or getting worse, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by a professional.
Even better drywall like sheetrock can develop fissures and cracks over time but small fissures are quite easy to fix.
Small drywall cracks are fixed using joint compound and drywall parch repair kits.
What does a drywall crack look like?
Drywall cracks may look like thin spider webs that you can find along the seams and corners of walls or ceilings.
Smaller drywall cracks are usually nothing to worry about, but larger drywall cracks may require more attention and could be indicative of a deeper issue.
These small cracks look like fissures along the joints or corners of your walls and ceilings. The cracks may be wider in the middle, with thin lines radiating out from the center of the crack.
Should I be concerned about cracks in drywall?
Well, yes and no. The size of the cracks in important.
Repeated fractures or drywall cracks wider than 1/8″ are typically indicators of serious structural issues that need to be fixed right away. The fissures tend to grow and enlarge when the structural elements of a home continue to settle, distort, or decay.
In these cases, it’s usually best to contact a certified contractor immediately to fix the underlying issues before simply patching up the cracks.
If the cracks are smaller than 1/8″ wide, you may be able to repair them yourself. You will need to sand down the area and patch it up with joint compound.
Also read: Can you use drywall primer on wood?
Does drywall crack easily?
No. Drywall is a very sturdy material and doesn’t crack easily usually. Most drywall cracks are caused by the house settling or the framing members moving.
However, this doesn’t mean that drywall cracks are not frequent and common. That’s because homes are not static – movement is always happening without you noticing.
So although drywall is a pretty good and sturdy material, over time, it may start to develop cracks.
The cracks develop gradually in response to tension or even minor house settlement. They may be referred to as hairline cracks by contractors because of how thin they appear. They may typically be covered up while repainting because they are largely regarded as aesthetic.
So, if you’re seeing drywall cracks in your home, it’s likely the result of an underlying issue rather than the fault of the drywall itself. As long as you take care of the problem, you should be able to easily fix the problems.
Where do drywall cracks usually happen?
Most drywall cracks will happen along the seams where two panels of drywall meet, or in corners and around door frames. These are areas prone to movement and where the drywall is more likely to experience tension.
Cracks may also happen in the middle of walls or ceilings, usually near the edges, often because of house settling or other issues like water damage.
Where the structure experiences greater stress than other regions is where these cracks are most frequently found. The corners of windows and doors as well as the edges of wall apertures are the most frequent locations.
Both external and interior doors and apertures fall under this description. Actually the cracks can happen on new drywall too in these same spots.
Where two pieces of drywall meet is another typical location to notice these fissures. At the drywall seams, these fissures typically run vertically or horizontally. These cracks can appear in the higher portions of homes with vaulted ceilings as well.
Furthermore, where two pieces of drywall are butted together, drywall fractures are frequently discovered. This happens as a result of a joint that receives drywall tape and two or three layers of drywall mud.
As a result of these joint locations being weaker than the drywall’s field or center area, some cracks may appear there.
Final thoughts
Drywall cracks aren’t always something to worry about, but sometimes they are. It all depends on the size and location of the fissures.
Cracks that are 1/8″ wide or smaller can usually be filled in with some joint compound and sanded down, while larger cracks may be a sign of an underlying structural issue. If you do notice cracks, it’s best to contact a professional contractor to check them out and make sure that the issue is addressed properly.
In conclusion, drywall cracks are commonly found along seams and corners of walls and ceilings, but they can also appear in the center of walls as well.
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