If the problem is widespread, you may have to re-tape all the seams to eliminate the issue completely. If the cracks in your walls are showing discoloration, such as brown or yellow tinted stains, then the problem may be the result of water damage to your home.
This causes the drywall to get wet, soften, and deteriorate, which then leads to cracking. Before you do anything else, find the source of the leak and repair it. Unfortunately, cracking in your walls and ceilings may also be the result of damage to your foundation.
There are a number of causes of foundation issues, including clay, the most common soil composition in Oklahoma , inferior construction, water damage to the foundation slab, and even termite damage. Have a foundation inspection and any needed repairs performed as soon as possible to prevent the problems from worsening.
Are you worried about the state of your foundation? The best way to tell if the cracks in your walls are due to foundation problems is to call on the experts and have a professional foundation inspection. Contact us for a free estimate — and get the peace of mind that comes from having a home that is structurally sound and in great shape.
Why Edens? Normal Settling Over Time As a house ages, homeowners can expect some normal wear and tear, including some minor settling. Why it happens: In a nutshell, it happens because things move. Why it happens: Because it is so fresh, new lumber typically contains a high amount of moisture. What to do: These small cracks are likely nothing to worry about. Home Left Vacant Is your home often vacant—perhaps because it is a vacation home, a rental property, or a new home that was on the market for a while before you bought it?
Why it happens: Regular, reliable climate control does more for your home than making it comfortable for you; it also keeps your drywall in good shape. A crack that allows daylight to come into your home could be a concern.
This is because it means the whole wall has shifted and not just on one side. Usually, a crack will appear on an external wall but cannot be seen inside, and vice versa. However, one large crack that appears to go through the whole house can be a sign of subsidence. Whether your home insurance covers cracked walls generally depends on the cause.
In this instance, you could be required to pay an excess fee, and this could be higher than a standard fee and depends on the age of the building. Cracks caused by your home naturally settling will not be covered. If in doubt, you should contact your insurance provider, however fixing such an issue yourself is relatively easy. However, small hairline cracks in a plastered wall can be repaired relatively easily.
First, you should use a putty knife or scraper to lightly score around the crack. This creates a wider surface area and will improve how the jointing compound sticks to the surface. Be sure to apply it in thin layers instead of one thick one.
This will allow you to get a smooth, even finish. While the compound is still wet, you should apply a fibreglass mesh over it to cover the crack and the surrounding area. You will need to allow the compound to dry. You will need to let each layer dry thoroughly and sand the area down before applying the next, so this is not a job to be rushed. As you add each layer, increase the surface area of the compound every time, as this will also create a smooth finish. Once the final layer is dry wait around 24 hours or so to ensure this is the case , give this a light sand.
Then wipe away any excess dust and paint over the dried compound so it matches the rest of the wall. Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack. A wall is constructed with vertical studs that extend from floor to ceiling.
The studs must be cut, however, in order to install a door or a window. While the builder adds extra framing to the adjacent studs, these areas are still weaker than the rest of the wall, and when settling occurs, these spots are the first to develop cracks.
Hairline cracks across walls and doorways do not indicate a structural problem; they should simply be re-taped and painted. Vacation homes and those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings.
This is due to the house not being climate controlled as it would be if it were occupied. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause framing members and drywall to expand and contract, resulting in cracking.
Like other wall cracks, these can be re-taped and painted. When drywall panels are installed, the seams between the panels are filled with drywall mud and covered with paper tape.
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