Understand your drywall cracks. We guide you through the causes, including foundation movement, water damage, and poor installation, and provide professional solutions for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Nothing compares to the seamless, silky appearance of freshly painted walls. Until you see the unwanted sight of a crack. Although drywall cracks can be annoying and unsightly, they frequently reveal information about the environment and structure of your house. Ignoring them can eventually result in more serious problems. The first step to a long-term solution is to comprehend the causes. In addition to painting, Campione Painters prepares, repairs, and restores your walls to make sure they are perfect from the ground up. This guide will assist you in recognizing the typical kinds of drywall cracks and the expert repair methods.
The culprits: Typical Reasons for Drywall Cracks
There is more to drywall cracks than meets the eye. They are nearly invariably a sign of a more serious problem. The most common offenders are as follows:
- The most important cause is the Foundation Movement. It is common for a home’s foundation to settle slightly, particularly when it is newly constructed. However, substantial foundation shifting brought on by variations in soil moisture (from heavy rains or droughts) may result in wall and ceiling cracks. These can enlarge over time, are frequently diagonal, and originate from the corners of windows or doors.
- Seasonal Wood Expansion and Shrinkage: The wooden framing of your house will naturally expand in the humid summer and contract in the dry, cold winter. Particularly at the joints or where walls meet the ceiling, this slight movement strains the drywall and causes hairline cracks. Usually horizontal or vertical, these cracks show up and go away with the seasons.
- Inadequate Installation of Drywall: Additionally, cracks may indicate poor work. The joints may weaken and crack under light stress if a finisher applied insufficient joint compound and tape at the joints, or if a drywall hanger used too few screws or positioned them incorrectly. Along the seams, these cracks typically run in a straight line.
- Water Damage: Wet drywall can swell, sag, and weaken. After drying, it becomes less structurally sound and may break. A soft texture surrounding the crack and water stains are obvious signs of a moisture issue. These problems are frequently located on walls or ceilings close to plumbing or roof leaks.
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The Remedies: From Hairlines to Structural Repairs
The cause determines the solution. To make sure you’re not merely treating a symptom, a professional evaluation is essential.
- Regarding Hairline Cracks: A straightforward patching and repainting job is typically adequate if the crack is small and most likely the result of seasonal movement. After sanding the area smooth with a premium flexible spackle or joint compound, our crew at Campione Painters will apply a new coat of paint.
- For Joints with Straight Cracks: It’s probably an installation problem if the crack runs along a drywall joint. Before repainting, the joint needs to be completely re-taped and re-compacted, sanded, primed, and the old tape and compound removed. This is an essential component of our drywall repair services, guaranteeing a long-lasting solution.
- Regarding Water Damage Cracks: Finding and repairing the water leak’s source is the first step. The damaged drywall needs to be removed and replaced after the area has dried completely. If the underlying material is compromised, a simple patch won’t work. This is a more involved but essential repair for moisture damage.
- A different strategy is needed for foundation or diagonal cracks. A structural engineer or foundation specialist must address the underlying foundation problem, even though a professional can patch and repair the cracks. Our expert drywall finishing can make the wall appear perfect, but in order to avoid recurrence, we always advise our clients to have the underlying cause fixed.
Did You Know?
There is more to the joint tape used in drywalling than just paper. For instance, fiberglass mesh tape is perfect for strengthening seams and averting future cracks because it provides increased strength and is frequently self-adhesive.
For a consultation on your drywall repair needs, call Campione Painters at (404) 587-5723. Let’s get to the bottom of your drywall issues and ensure a perfect finish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do all drywall cracks indicate a serious issue?
Small, hairline cracks are very common and typically not a reason for concern, especially if they appear and disappear with the seasons. However, a professional should evaluate cracks that are diagonal, wide, or expanding rapidly.
Is it possible to simply cover a crack with paint?
Painting over a crack without proper repair is only a temporary fix. A long-lasting, flawless finish requires cleaning, filling, and possibly re-taping the drywall.
