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Crack On Wall: Cause And Effect
A wall crack is nothing to be alarmed about. Wall cracks can be easily repaired. Sometimes a wall crack indicates a serious underlying issue, in which case foundation repair may be necessary.
However, this is often unnecessary.
If you think your wall cracks are serious, call a professional contractor because you may need foundation repair. Otherwise, you should learn how to fix wall cracks before serious issues arise.
You can re-tape cracks in walls with ease. You just need to know what kind of wall crack you’re working with. In some cases, you might need to repair a surface that’s already been re-taped, so you should learn about taping up wall cracks.
You should also learn how to check the wall area surrounding the crack and look for nail heads or screw heads that might be visible on the surface. You can start by checking out our guide on wall cracks here.
What Classifies A Cracked Wall?
There are various types of cracks in walls. A cracked wall is one with an elongated gap that isn’t natural. If a hole is punched in the wall, it’s not a crack, but if the wall splits, then it is.
Smaller cracks can be caused by many reasons. Wider cracks often represent serious structural damage and can cause issues.
However, most other types of structural damage won’t require foundation repair. In newly built homes, a wall crack can be fixed with the tips you’ll learn today. Some types of damage, like water damage, are excluded from the repair steps.
However, cracks in concrete walls may require foundation repair.
Why does a cracked wall happen?
There are various reasons for cracked walls. Most of the time, it’s natural and not a big concern. However, there are instances when the situation may be more serious. Diagonal cracks could indicate a problem with the roof truss, while hairline cracks are generally harmless.
Consider the following reasons to determine the cause of your wall cracks.
Settling
This is the most common and least worrisome type of crack. Horizontal cracks may appear on your interior or exterior walls. It is common for new houses to experience these small wall cracks within the first year.
Although thinner cracks around doorways are not a major issue, it is still important to fix them promptly to prevent any potential structural damage.
Impact
If the wall suffers trauma, it may become cracked. Blunt force usually causes holes in drywall but may result in small cracks in concrete. Severe foundation shifting is rare but requires professional repair.
Vacancy
Leaving a home empty, even for a vacation, can cause cracks in the walls and other issues. Abandoned homes need repairs, as concrete walls typically crack when damp, leading to structural damage. Settling can also cause wider or horizontal cracks.
Additionally, termite damage may occur when there is no one to monitor the home.
Faulty Taping
When it comes to drywall, faulty taping can cause ugly cracks. If the taping isn’t done right, the seams will show, especially if the sheetrock wasn’t installed tightly.
Learn to tape correctly before putting up sheetrock. If you need to repair someone else’s bad taping job, take a class or learn online to find out how to repair cracks in walls. Fortunately, you won’t need foundation repair for faulty taping.
Water damage doesn’t always cause wall cracks, but it is a problem that can lead to cracks and other serious issues. Water leaks require immediate attention or you may need foundation repair later on. Water softens the wall and makes it more susceptible to tears as it swells and warps.
A structural issue, such as a wall crack, should be promptly investigated. Various factors, such as termites that eat through the foundation or severe foundation shifting, can cause structural damage resulting in cracks. If this is the case, you will need professional foundation repair. Call a professional if you have wide or jagged cracks in your interior or exterior walls to ensure that there is no serious problem. Diagonal cracks require immediate attention as well.
However, if you notice a hairline crack near a door or window, it is likely not a cause for concern and you can learn how to fix such cracks yourself.
There are different ways to fix wall cracks depending on the type of wall. Plaster and drywall are the most common types that often require repairs. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
For plaster walls, there are several types of cracks you may encounter. Here’s how to repair each of them. If you want a more detailed guide on repairing plaster, check out this article for additional information.
If you find that your drywall mud has been affected by water infiltration, it’s important to address the water source immediately. Paper tape is not as effective for water-related issues.
When it comes to hairline cracks, here’s what you need to do.
If dealing with a hairline crack, remove loose pieces and apply spackling. Apply thin coats, letting each dry before applying another. Sand the area between coats.
For wide cracks, press hard on each side to check if the crack is moving. If it is, use a different technique. If not, apply plastering tape.
Apply a thin coat of plaster underneath and stick the tape to it.
Afterward, apply to the top surface to even out the wall. Apply more plaster to any deeper side or serious issues will arise. Don’t forget to sand!
Many people think they can get by without sanding, but not only does this make for a rough surface, it’s nearly impossible to paint an un-sanded wall.
Foundation Movement Cracks
Moving cracks aren’t easy to repair because the problem isn’t on the surface. They involve serious issues related to structural damage. Dig out the moving side until you find solid plaster that does not move.
It may be more work, but if you don’t fix it now, it will be even more work later as serious issues will arise.
Secure the loose side with plaster washers, drywall screws, and perforated discs. This will allow you to attach the loose plaster to the original lath. If you notice white powdery stains near the base of your walls, you have serious issues and will require a structural engineer.
Start over with the affected area. If you’re not a professional, watch a tutorial on how to fix moving cracks. This could lead to structural damage if not handled properly and will require foundation repair.
Plaster Wall Cracks
The easiest way to repair drywall is to get a drywall patch kit. This includes everything you need to repair drywall as well as instructions on how to take care of each type of crack. It’s a worthy investment for anyone with drywall.
You’ll notice this in newly-built homes, so do not become alarmed.
Most drywall mud can be repaired by removing loose tape and falling mud. Sand the surface where there is leftover mud, without sanding non-mudded areas.
Fill the crack with drywall mud and smooth it with a drywall joint knife. Place the tape on top and apply a thin layer of mud on top.
After this dries, sand it, but don’t compromise the tape’s adhesion. A simple spackling job may seem tempting, but joint compound will provide better coverage and last longer.
Concrete Walls
Cracks in concrete walls occur in basements due to water leaks or foundation movement. When fixing concrete walls, use filler to cover holes. Avoid using caulk on concrete walls. Cracks in concrete walls usually occur with foundation movement, such as after an earthquake.
Hairline cracks on concrete walls are normal.
Concrete walls crack in basement structures. Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can usually be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler.
Patching compounds are mixed with water and applied with a trowel.
Stair Step Cracks
Stair step cracks, in the shape of horizontal cracks, are caused by moisture problems in the soil around the home’s foundation.
Basement Wall Crack Repair
Most basement walls are made of concrete. Hopefully, a vertical wall crack is present. Diagonal cracks in concrete walls result from natural settling.
A horizontal crack could indicate a serious issue requiring foundation repair.
Contact a professional if the cracks appear strange or are wide, as only a structural engineer can repair structural damage. However, if the cracks are simple and vertical, such as hairline cracks, you can safely repair them yourself using a simple method.
Step 1: Dry the Crack
Before attempting to repair the crack, use a blowdryer to dry any moisture. Moisture will cause further problems, so this step is crucial. If you are unable to eliminate the moisture, you may have a plumbing problem or other serious issues.
Call a plumber or contractor to determine if that’s the problem. If they don’t believe there is a problem, you can pay very little for their visit. But if there is a problem, you want it fixed as soon as possible.
Injecting epoxy is often a faster solution for wall cracks and is beginner-friendly. Liquid concrete epoxy, available at most hardware stores, can be used on both interior and exterior walls. However, it is advisable to seek a second opinion before proceeding.
Apply the epoxy similarly to caulk, resembling bathroom caulk. Simply squeeze the epoxy into the crack and smooth it out to match the wall’s texture. Allow the epoxy to dry completely before painting over it.
Seal the crack to complete the process.
Learning how to fix cracks in walls always ends with sealing the crack. Although epoxy works great for leveling, it can help to get a separate concrete sealer to ensure that the wall looks the same color throughout. It can also help with protecting it, so get a concrete sealer in a small can.
If you’re dealing with a water infiltration issue, make sure you use the right sealant. You may have potential structural damage, but you will need to ask a professional.
When To Hire A Structural Engineer
If this job overwhelms you, call a structural engineer. Foundation Repair is serious. Their job is to ensure your safety and fix dangerous wall cracks.
Most cracked walls can be repaired on a budget.
The average wall repair cost is $2-5 per linear foot. This type of contractor costs $50-$100 an hour. Most people pay a few hundred dollars to repair their walls.
FAQ
Are Stair Step Cracks Normal?
Stair step cracks are common foundation cracks. These hairline cracks signal a problematic foundation. Typically, stair step cracks in a block foundation are caused by bowing walls.
The cracks are found toward the corners of the foundation and often with a horizontal crack.
Wall cracks are common in both new and old homes. They often occur as a result of the house settling. Vertical cracks can be repaired by re-taping the joints where the drywall panels meet.
To ensure a strong repair, use quality tape. If the walls are damp, wait until they are completely dry before re-taping.
Recurring cracks or cracks wider than 1/8 inch may indicate structural damage. It is important to address these issues promptly, as they can worsen over time and lead to serious problems. If you notice structural damage to your drywall, seek professional assistance rather than attempting to fix it yourself.
Contraction and expansion of building materials due to temperature and moisture fluctuations cause vertical and horizontal cracks.
Do Drywall Cracks Indicate Foundation Problems?
Drywall cracks in the corners of windows and doors, on any floor of your home, are often due to foundation movement. If you notice this type of crack, it’s best to have a professional inspect for structural damage.
Can a House Settle After 20 Years?
Every house will experience settlement over time. In fact, a few inches of settlement is usually nothing to worry about. Soil expansion and contraction cannot be controlled, but with quality construction, your home should withstand normal conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the presence of cracks on walls can indicate issues related to the contraction and expansion of building materials. If you notice drywall cracks in the corners of windows and doors, it may be a sign of foundation movement and should be inspected by a professional. However, it’s important to note that some settlement is normal for houses and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the foundation.
A wall crack in concrete walls, especially in new homes, is rare. However, water infiltration can cause a wall crack in a new home. When a wall crack appears, it is often accompanied by white powdery stains.
For small cracks, household glue or paper tape may suffice, but larger cracks may require the expertise of a structural engineer. Before taking action on a stair step crack, it is important to carefully analyze it. Another issue to note is nail popping, which can be easily resolved with household glue and is not a cause for alarm.
When seams come apart, seek professional help. You can address thin or vertical cracks on drywall yourself. However, wall cracks on concrete walls are usually invisible unless they’re in a basement and exposed to water.
Roof truss problems require serious attention. Foundation issues worsen if neglected or DIY repaired. You cannot fix major structural damage on your own.
Foundation repairs on exterior or plaster walls are significant endeavors.
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