Any sudden damage appearing in your home can feel like an immediate cause for concern, especially something as dramatic as a crack in one of your walls. While you will want to repair the damage to restore the aesthetic of your home, whether or not it’s something to be particularly concerned about requires a closer look.
Settling Can Cause Cracks
Houses settle over time. This is usually due to the materials used in its construction literally settling into place. However, this can also cause hairline cracks, those less than ⅛ inch wide, to appear. They most often appear around doors, windows, and ceilings, are are especially prevalent when there are changes in temperature and humidity. If they don’t continue to grow and there are no other symptoms, they’re likely a minor issue, and simply painting over them should be fine.
The Direction Of The Crack Matters
The nature of the crack and the direction it travels in can usually be an indicator of the cause. Vertical cracks are typically the result of settling, especially in drywall. Horizontal cracks, however, especially in basement walls or concrete, can indicate pressure from soil or water against the foundation. These types of cracks should never be ignored, as they may signal structural stress or bowing walls. This may require a more professional assessment.
Warning Signs Of Foundation Damage
If any cracks are over ¼ inch wide, showing signs of growth, or have other symptoms like uneven floors, doors sticking in their frames, or bulging walls, then you might have foundation trouble on your hands. Foundation issues can be caused by poor drainage, shifting soil, tree roots, or construction flaws, and it’s best to work with teams like RS Foundations to get to the bottom of it. Otherwise, that damage could worsen and have major impacts on the structural stability and safety of your home.
Moisture And Mold Issues
Water ingress is a serious issue, even when it’s not located in the foundation. Wall cracks can indicate that water has found an entry point. If you detect discoloration, damp watches, or a musty smell around the crack, then it’s likely to be moisture-related. You may need a plumber like Berkeys, or the leak could be coming from outdoors, whether from a blocked gutter, a missing tile in your roof, or otherwise. Addressing the root cause is vital before you seal the crack.
When To Call For Help
To recap, some cracks might be cosmetic, but others are certainly worth paying to fix. If the crack is wider than a quarter-inch, keeps growing, follows a jagged or diagonal pattern, or is accompanied by other warning signs like bowing walls, uneven floors, or sticking doors, it’s time to call in a professional. Whether that’s a foundation specialist or a plumber depends on the symptoms accompanying it.
Whatever the case, a new crack in your wall is something that should at least get you to take a closer look. Whether it’s simply the home settling, a drywall problem, or something deeper in your foundation depends on what you find from that point on.
