Many people don’t realize that cracks in walls can pose many dangers to your home. From pest infestation to structural damage and mold growth, just about any type of crack or hole could lead to dangerous consequences if not fixed immediately.
However, fixing cracks in walls can be a tedious process for some. This is because it often requires sanding, priming, and painting before repairing the crack. However, there are simple steps to take to make this process easier for you. If you’re looking for a quick fix that doesn’t require too much work or time, then read below! These steps may not seem like they would do much, but they will ensure your wall repair looks clean and your home feels complete again when done right. Of course, the key to getting good results is to follow these easy steps closely, so pay close attention if you want them done correctly!
Skip to Section
What Causes Cracks in Wall?
Time
As a property ages, the more natural wear and tear on the house can be seen. For example, you may notice small cracks in places like over doors or windows. This is due to changes in humidity levels, which cause some materials to expand more than others.
Moisture
Moisture is one of the main culprits of the destruction of homes, and it can be caused by a variety of things, including water leaks, humidity, flooding, condensation, etc. Water leaks are most common when homeowners experience plumbing problems or roof issues that lead to water flowing into their homes below.
Poor Drywall Taping
Drywall is a material used in construction to create interior walls. It comes with both horizontal and vertical joints, which are taped shut to make the wall stronger. However, taping drywall can be difficult for inexperienced workers due to its tendency to curl at the edges when cut or disturbed during installation. Faulty taping of drywall can lead to cracked walls and other structural problems in your home.
Foundation Damage
Cracking in walls may also be the result of damage to the foundation. Foundation cracks and other structural issues can be caused by various things, such as erosion from water or soil, settling due to flooding, and shifting ground conditions. Foundation problems typically happen gradually over time but often go unnoticed until there is some kind of visible evidence like cracking in interior drywall or exterior brickwork.
How to Determine if the Cracks in Walls Are Serious
Measure the cracks.
The cracks in your concrete are a tell-tale sign of how much it has been stressed and can give insight into the structural integrity. While small cracks may be harmless, you should repair any crack wider than a quarter-inch immediately to prevent further damage from occurring.
Determine the direction of the cracks.
The crack on your wall can tell you a lot about the direction of how it developed. Understanding this will help determine what action you should take. Here are the usual directions of cracks seen on walls:
Horizontal Cracks
If you notice horizontal cracks in your wall or foundation, it may indicate severe foundation shifting happening underneath the surface. This can happen due to an earthquake or heavy rain, and sewer water has seeped into the soil. Not only does this cause structural damage to your home, but it also creates hazardous living conditions for those insides as well as those who live close by.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks in concrete walls signify that the ground has shifted and that your home needs to be evaluated by an expert before any significant damage occurs. Vertical cracks could also be caused by uneven weight distribution on one side of the wall due to furniture placement or other factors like weathering and age.