Drywall Cracks

The smell of home-cooked meals and the laughter of your family are just some of the things that make your house a home. Your home is your sanctuary. But what if its walls could talk? If you’re spotting drywall cracks, consider it a loud whisper from your home that something’s up.

With Innovative Basement Authority as your guide, you’re never navigating this alone. Learn more about what drywall cracks are trying to tell you.

What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall cracks are essentially your home’s warning system. They’re a subtle SOS indicating foundation troubles, particularly issues related to foundation settlement.

Your drywall has a lot to say—it reacts when foundation problems lurk. Ignoring it may result in higher repair costs.

Common Indicators:

Diagonal cracks extending from door or window corners up toward the ceiling
Cracks above doors and windows
Long horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings
Spidery crack patterns on walls and ceilings

Even small cracks can signal looming foundation problems. It’s best to have all drywall cracks inspected by a foundation specialist.

What Causes Drywall Cracks?

As seemingly innocuous as they may appear, the cracks that creep across your drywall are often signs of serious issues lurking beneath the surface, but what exactly is causing them?

While a skilled professional’s input is always recommended, here are some usual causes of drywall cracks:

Soil Movement: Homes age, and so does the ground underneath. Factors like soil erosion or compression can speed up this settling process, leading to drywall cracks and jeopardizing your home’s base.
Home Upgrades: Adding a new addition or a grand piano? Consider how extra weight could make your foundation—and your walls—compromised.
Water Woes: Poor drainage or leaky plumbing can lead to soil softening, which can unsettle your home’s foundation.

Don’t shrug off drywall cracks. Your house is signaling you through these signs.

Can You Fix Drywall Cracks?

Yes, of course, but picking the ideal solution is a bit more complex. Quick fixes may cover minor cracks, but they’re bandages, not cures. Aim for foundational stabilization, not superficial touch-ups.

Drywall Crack Remedies:

For minor, cosmetic-only cracks: a touch of patch and paint might do the trick.
For significant cracks, focus on foundational corrections like support piers or crawl space jacks before swapping out the damaged drywall sections.

Why Repair Drywall Cracks Now?

Ignoring drywall cracks caused by foundation settlement can lead to more severe structural problems down the road. When a foundation issue goes unaddressed, it can affect not only the walls but also the windows, doors, and overall stability of the house. This can result in more costly repairs and compromise the safety and value of the property.

Ignoring drywall cracks only amplifies them:

Cracks only get worse with inaction.
Delaying repair increases costs to repair the root cause and the secondary repairs.
Overlooked cracks can decrease your home’s market value and visual charm.

How Innovative Basement Authority Can Put a Stop to Drywall Cracks

Our seasoned team at Innovative Basement Authority is adept at pinpointing the root of your drywall cracks. With nearly two decades of expertise, we offer tailored approaches, including:

Foundation piers to support the weight of your home
Whole home waterproofing systems
Crawl space jacks and moisture-control strategies like encapsulation

Choosing IBA for repairing the issues behind your drywall cracks not only ensures a lasting solution but also grants you the peace of mind that your home’s foundation is in expert hands.

With our services, you can enjoy the added benefit of a long-term warranty, and even better, it’s transferable should you decide to sell your home in the future, providing you and potential buyers with continued confidence in the structural integrity of your property.

Trust Innovative Basement Authority for Drywall Crack Repair!

Don’t gamble on your home’s health. Choose Innovative Basement Authority—a name synonymous with premier quality and unparalleled customer service.

Our clients can vouch for our skill in vanishing both their concerns and their cracks. Secure your sanctuary; set up your free inspection today.

FAQs

Should I consult a professional for all drywall cracks?

While hairline cracks can often be repaired by homeowners, it’s recommended to consult a professional if you’re uncertain about the cause or if cracks are persistent and appear to be worsening. A professional can assess the situation, identify underlying issues, and recommend appropriate repairs to prevent further damage.

Are all drywall cracks a sign of a serious issue?

Not all drywall cracks indicate a problem. Hairline cracks are simply the result of the natural expansion and contraction of building materials. However, cracks could be indicative of more serious issues, such as structural problems or ongoing movement, and should be inspected by a professional.

Are drywall cracks more frequent in older homes?

Both new and old homes can have drywall cracks if foundational issues are present. It’s not just an issue affecting older houses—all homes are vulnerable.