What Causes Cracks In Drywall

Usually the seams are invisible due to the use of drywall mud and tape.

What causes cracks in drywall.

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause framing members and drywall to expand and contract resulting in cracking. Cracks that develop quickly may be warning you about a leak in an upstairs plumbing fixture or in the roof. This may cause drywall cracks and in some homes the cracks may open or close due to the seasonal changes. Typically plaster ceiling cracks have two causes.

If the leak is intermittent or slow the drywall around the crack may discolor because wet drywall is a favorite breeding ground for mold. Vacation homes and vacant homes often have a higher incidence of drywall cracks caused by temperature and sometimes humidity issues than homes that are lived in full time. Homes are constantly settling as different construction materials expand and contract at different rates. However there are many potential causes of stress.

This article describes the common causes of all types of cracks that appear in drywall or gypsum board or plasterboard walls ceilings in building interiors. Drywall cracks in ceilings or walls. The mud fills in the. Whether drywall plaster or concrete walls are susceptible to cracks even walls in newly built homes are prone to cracks which normally occur from settling.

Vacation homes and vacant homes. Surface blemish cracks can often be repaired with drywall putty sanding tools and a fresh coat of paint. More severe cracks usually require professional help to determine the exact cause and. Cracks in your drywall or plaster interior walls could be the result of your house settling which could come from the foundation or may be the result of earth movement according to gregg cantor.

Causes of drywall cracks. Most drywall cracks occur on the seams where two pieces of drywall meet. Like other wall cracks these can be re taped and painted. Common causes of drywall cracks.

The drywall itself may also be spongy and it may sag. Illustrations show where cracks are most likely to appear explain why and suggest both repair approaches to drywall cracks and how to prevent cracking in plasterboard or gypsum board.