Causes of Drywall Cracks & How to Fix Them
Posted on October 7, 2020
Its very common for our team to come across cracks or imperfections in drywall when painting interiors in Northern Arizona. Most cracks cosmetic and can be repaired, however some cracks may raise a red flag of a deeper underlying problem with the home may be there. During an intial estimate appointment with our team, our representative will look for cracks or problems with the drywall and bring them to your attention. For cosmetic problems we can often patch and repair cracked drywall and include it as part of the painting project.
Where do wall cracks come from?
The main reason for cracks for homes in our service area (the Northern part of Arizona) is settling of the home. This type of crack is normal, and should not be a cause for alarm. New construction homes commonly go through settling periods for a few years after the house is built. If you have a new construction home, it may be best to wait a year or two for the house to settle prior to patching any drywall cracks, otherwise they are likely to re-form as the house continues to settle.
Other causes of cracks in drywall
Temperature and Humidity
Homes with no AC or homes that are left vacant may have more drastic swings in temperature and humidity. These changes can cause expansion and contraction of materials and result in cracks in the drywall. This type of crack is usually cosmetic and can be repaired.
Bad Drywall Taping
If cracks are thin and straight, it may be because of failing or poor drywall tape from when the drywall was initially installed. When drywall panels are installed the seams between each panel get taped with paper to create a smooth finish. If the tape starts to pull away or slide out of position a long straight lines, or lines with right angles may appear in the drywall. This type of crack is also cosmetic in most cases and can be repaired.
Water Damages
Leaks from windows, doors, or roofing can end up on drywall surfaces and cause damages. Usually before a crack shows there is some discoloration or visible water damage. If there is a leak, the source of the leak must be fixed prior to fixing the drywall.
Types of cracks that may be more concerning
Large cracks that are jagged, erratic, or diagonal could be an indication of structural problem. Our team does not do structural work, and if you believe your home may have structural issues it is best to hire an engineer to evaluate the integrity of the structure. If you are in the Flagstaff, Sedona, or Prescott areas we can refer you to some local reputable builders and engineers.
How do I fix cracks?
Using tape is usually required to fully repair a crack. A quality fiberglass mesh tape paired with a thing coat Patch Plus Primer on top will usually get the job done. After the patching of the crack is cured, the surface can be painted with a matching color to the wall or ceiling. Cracks can become totally invisible after a repair if done correctly.
Our crews usually show up with a putty knife, drywall tape, and Patch Plus drywall compound. Most paint stores can match a paint color if you bring them a paint chip as a sample. We can assist with this if you hire us to do the repair. We offer free estimates and online appointment scheduling.
