When you own a home for a long period, you should expect to see some cracks form in the drywall. While these lines are usually not emergency issues, they signal that you may have underlying problems with the home. Below are some common reasons for this issue so that you can identify any problems.

Why Are Drywall Cracks Appearing in a Home?

1. Settling

Over time, the foundation of your home will settle into the soil. This places extra pressure on the vertical studs that support the doors and windows, causing them to shift and create hairline fractures above the fixtures. Because this is not indicative of a serious structural problem, you can usually tape and paint the cracks to fix them. 

If the home was recently built, wait a year after construction finished before scheduling any drywall repair. This period allows the lumber frame to dry out, which accounts for most of the home's shifting. This should prevent the joints and walls from immediately cracking again after the repairs.

2. Leaking

Drywall is not waterproof, so leaking pipes or a hole in the roof can cause significant damage. Cracks that form due to water damage typically have a brown or yellow discoloration around them, and they may even feature a musty odor. This indicates that you have mold or mildew growing inside the walls, which can lead to respiratory issues. These types of cracks may happen anywhere in the ceilings or walls, and you must stop the source of the leak before you can repair and replace the water damaged materials. 

3. Foundation Damage

The foundation supports the weight of the entire house and keeps the structure stable. However, when something compromises the foundation, the house will shift significantly and the walls will crack. This indicates severe damage, and you should have a foundation contractor inspect the home to determine what caused the shift. The cracks that form from the problem are usually more than a 1/4-inch wide and can appear horizontal along the wall, on the second floor, and diagonally from the corners of windows or doors. You may also notice them on both the interior and exterior walls. 

When you need help repairing the cracks in your home, contact Speedy Patch Drywall Repair in Nashville, TN. These experts set the industry standard for high-quality drywall repair with a sanding-free method that doesn't leave a mess. They are committed to 100% customer satisfaction, so you can trust your drywall will look like new when they finish. Learn more about their services online, and call (615) 426-7603 to schedule a free estimate.