Drywall Cracks
Discovering cracks in your home's drywall can be worrisome. What do these cracks mean, and what's behind them? Often, cracks in drywall suggest there's an issue with your foundation, necessitating the expertise of professional help.
Boasting over two decades of experience assisting homeowners in Florida, APD Foundation Repair stands as your premier choice for identifying and fixing foundation concerns. Learn what causes drywall cracks and the appropriate measures to fix them by contacting our seasoned team.
Drywall cracks refer to the breaks or openings that appear in the wall and ceiling panels constructed from drywall in your residence. They occur as a result of foundation settlement, a condition where the foundation moves or descends into the ground. Due to its relative lack of strength, drywall is prone to fracturing when under pressure.
Signs of Drywall Cracks
What Causes Drywall Cracks?
Drywall cracks may develop from several sources:​
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✔ Sinking Foundation: Homes naturally settle as the ground beneath them compacts over time. However, disproportionate or excessive sinking due to changes in the soil can lead to drywall cracking.
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✔ Structural Deficiencies: Problems such as deteriorating support beams or a damaged foundation can cause the foundation to move, which in turn leads to cracks in the drywall.
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✔ Home Renovations: Adding new structures or significant alterations, such as the installation of heavy floors, may cause the foundation to shift, resulting in drywall cracks.
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✔ Plumbing Issues: Leaks from underground pipes or other moisture-related concerns can weaken the soil foundation, leading to instability in the foundation.
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Overlooking drywall cracks can undermine the structural integrity of your home and increase the likelihood of more critical foundation damage.
Should I Fix Drywall Cracks?
Absolutely! You should fix drywall cracks as soon as possible. Taking action sooner rather than later offers multiple benefits:
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Cracks in the drywall have the potential to grow, posing risks to structural integrity.
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Ignoring these cracks can lead to more expensive foundation repairs down the line.
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If left unattended, cracks can accelerate your foundation's deterioration because of moisture.
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Not addressing the cracks can also detract from your home's aesthetic appeal and reduce its market value.
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Postponing repairs complicates the situation, as the problem tends to exacerbate with time.
How To Fix Drywall Cracks
Fixing drywall cracks is possible, but it demands an expert approach! While it's possible to temporarily mend drywall cracks yourself, such fixes won't address the deeper foundational problems, and the issue will reemerge.
Instead of settling for a stopgap solution, it's vital to confront the core issue. Here are your choices:
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Minor cracks might be filled and then repainted, yet this serves as a temporary solution if the foundational problems are overlooked.
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Larger cracks might necessitate the replacement of the drywall, even following the implementation of foundation repair strategies.