Drywall Cracks

Noticing cracks in your home’s drywall can be worrisome. But what do these cracks signify, and what leads to their occurrence? Typically, drywall cracks indicate potential foundation issues that necessitate the expertise of professional repair services.

With over 25 years of expertise in diagnosing and resolving foundation damage, Baker’s Waterproofing is your trusted authority. Explore the causes of drywall cracks, effective repair methods, and why Baker’s Waterproofing is your best option for expert foundation repair.

What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall cracks are cracks that form in the panels used for interior walls and ceilings. These commonly arise from the settling of the home’s foundation. Since drywall lacks significant structural strength, it is prone to cracking when subjected to pressure.

Common signs of drywall cracks include:

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.
Intricate web-like crack patterns on walls and ceilings.

Tiny hairline cracks can signal potential foundation issues. As these cracks expand, the probability of substantial foundation damage rises.

What Causes Drywall Cracks?

The common causes of drywall cracks include:

Soil settlement and displacement: Every home experiences settling as the underlying soil naturally compacts over time. However, excessive or uneven settling resulting from soil expansion, erosion, or compression can lead to foundation cracks that manifest in the drywall. This is the predominant cause of drywall cracks.
Foundation structural issues: Issues with the foundation, such as sinking footings or cracked slabs, can also lead to drywall cracks as the foundation shifts.
Remodeling or additions: Introducing additional weight to certain areas of the home, such as constructing an addition or installing hefty materials like tile, stone, or wood flooring, can lead to settling of foundations and subsequent drywall cracking.
Leaky plumbing: Water leaks and moisture seepage from underground pipes, gutters, and various sources have the potential to erode soil and destabilize foundations.

Drywall cracks are signals from your home, indicating an underlying structural issue. Disregarding them poses a risk of exacerbating foundation problems and compromising the overall structural integrity of your residence.

Can You Fix Drywall Cracks?

Yes, you can repair drywall cracks, but it’s not as straightforward as merely patching and repainting. Although this approach may suffice for most minor cracks, they are prone to reappear over time if the underlying foundation issues remain unresolved.

We advise against settling for temporary DIY fixes. It’s essential to address the underlying foundation problems to effectively address drywall cracks.

Here’s what you can do:

For minor cracks, you can apply patches and paint to improve their appearance. However, remember that without addressing the underlying foundation issues, these cracks may reappear.
In the case of significant cracks, it may be necessary to replace damaged drywall after implementing essential foundation repair solutions such as piers, footings, waterproofing, or wall reinforcements.

How Baker’s Waterproofing Can Permanently Fix Drywall Cracks

Our experienced foundation repair experts diagnose the causes of your home’s drywall cracks and implement customized solutions using our proprietary methods:

Steel foundation piers (helical or push piers) driven deep into the ground for reinforced support
Waterproofing systems, including interior drainage and sump pumps
Wall anchors, steel I-beams, and/or carbon fiber straps for homes supported over a basement
Crawl space support jacks for homes supported over a crawl space

We also offer crawl space encapsulation to stop moisture problems that contribute to foundation and drywall damage.

By lifting and re-leveling settled foundations and stopping water intrusion, our solutions permanently stabilize foundations and structures to prevent drywall cracks from returning. We also offer extensive warranties on our products.

Why Repair Drywall Cracks Now?

There are important reasons to repair drywall cracks as soon as possible:

Drywall cracks worsen over time. Small cracks expand, leading to severe structural instability.
Ignoring cracks risks more expensive foundation repairs in the future.
Cracks allow moisture intrusion, accelerating foundation deterioration.
Existing cracks impact aesthetics and your home’s value.
As settlement progresses, drywall cracks become more complicated and costly to repair.

Don’t let drywall cracks lead to more significant problems. Contact Baker’s Waterproofing foundation repair specialists for a free consultation.

Contact Baker’s Waterproofing Today!

Take control of your home’s foundation with Baker’s Waterproofing. Schedule a free inspection and quote today for lasting solutions to prevent further damage.

FAQs

What’s the difference between surface and structural drywall cracks?

Surface cracks are superficial and cosmetic, while structural cracks extend into or through the drywall and are caused by foundation problems. Only structural cracks require foundation repair, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. If you see any cracks in your drywall, it’s best to call a professional for an inspection.

How much does it cost to repair drywall cracks?

It’s important to note that patching drywall cracks is a temporary solution. You’ll need professional foundation repair to fix the underlying foundation issues causing the cracks. The cost of foundation repair varies depending on the severity of the problem and the type of repair needed. For a free inspection and quote, contact Baker’s Waterproofing. We offer flexible financing options to help make repairs affordable.

How long does it take to repair my foundation?

The duration of foundation repairs depends on factors like the extent of the issue and the chosen repair technique. Usually, after the free initial inspection, repairs are completed within 1-2 days, and you won’t need to leave your home during the process.