What Causes Cracks In Drywall

Common causes of drywall cracks.

What causes cracks in drywall.

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. The mud fills in the. Homes are constantly settling as different construction materials expand and contract at different rates. 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. 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. As previously mentioned stress is usually the main reasons that cracks occur. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause framing members and drywall to expand and contract resulting in cracking.

Drywall cracks in ceilings or walls. If the leak is intermittent or slow the drywall around the crack may discolor because wet drywall is a favorite breeding ground for mold. House settling and temperature or moisture fluctuations in an attic which result in the expansion or contraction of framing members. More severe cracks usually require professional help to determine the exact cause and.

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. Cracks that develop quickly may be warning you about a leak in an upstairs plumbing fixture or in the roof. Surface blemish cracks can often be repaired with drywall putty sanding tools and a fresh coat of paint. This may cause drywall cracks and in some homes the cracks may open or close due to the seasonal changes.

Some of the more common ones are. Usually the seams are invisible due to the use of drywall mud and tape. 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. The drywall itself may also be spongy and it may sag.

Typically plaster ceiling cracks have two causes. However there are many potential causes of stress.