Drywall Cracks

What Are Drywall Cracks? 

What Causes Drywall Cracks? 

Drywall cracks are caused by several factors, including: 

• Settling and Soil Movement: All homes experience some natural settlement as the soil beneath them compacts over time. However, excessive or uneven settlement due to erosion, voids, or soil expansion can cause settlement, foundation wall cracks, and drywall cracks.   
• Structural Foundation Issues: Problems such as sinking foundation supports or bowing walls lead to drywall cracks.  
• Home Renovations: Home improvements, remodeling, and additions can lead to uneven weight distribution, foundation cracks and changes, and drywall cracks.
• Water Damage: Water intrusion from leaky pipes, poor drainage, or clogged gutters can weaken or erode the soil surrounding a home’s foundation, leading to drywall cracks.

Ignoring drywall cracks can exacerbate the issue and lead to costly future repairs. In the next section, we explore how to fix cracks in drywall.

How to Repair Drywall Cracks

Drywall cracks often signal an underlying foundation issue. Some homeowners may be tempted to patch or repaint the wall to repair drywall cracks. However, these are temporary DIY fixes that do not address the underlying cause of damage. 

At JES Foundation Repair, we identify and solve the underlying problem, providing a durable and long-term drywall crack repair. 

Here’s how to repair drywall cracks: 

• Hairline Cracks in Drywall: DIY patching or painting might temporarily resolve the issue, but the problem may return if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
• Major Cracks: Large drywall cracks often require professional intervention, including foundation piers, footings, waterproofing, or wall reinforcements, followed by drywall replacement.

Ignoring the underlying cause of drywall cracks can worsen them, resulting in expensive future repairs.

How JES Foundation Repair Can Help 

We provide long-term, warrantied solutions for drywall crack repair.

Why Should I Address Drywall Cracks Now? 

It’s tempting to delay drywall crack repair, as it may seem like just a cosmetic concern. However, the opposite is true. Postponing repair can lead to costly and complex issues, such as:

• Further Damage: Drywall cracks can worsen over time, signaling more severe structural problems.
• Decreased Home Value: Cracks affect appearance and can lower resale value by indicating potential foundation issues.
• Escalating Repairs: The underlying causes of drywall cracks become more complex and expensive to fix the longer they are ignored.

Choose JES Foundation Repair for Expert Drywall Crack Solutions

Drywall Crack FAQs

Can I just patch and paint over drywall cracks myself? 

While you can technically patch and paint over drywall cracks, this is usually a temporary fix if the root problem is related to your home’s foundation. It’s best to consult with professionals like JES Foundation Repair to ensure that you’re not merely masking a deeper issue that will reappear or worsen over time. 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover the costs of fixing drywall cracks? 

Coverage for drywall cracks varies depending on your insurance policy and the root cause of the cracks. If the cracks are due to sudden, accidental events like a burst pipe, your policy may cover repairs. However, if the cracks are related to ongoing foundation issues, those are generally not covered, making it even more crucial to address problems early to minimize costs. 

What is the average cost of repairing drywall cracks? 

The cost of repairing drywall cracks can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the underlying issues causing the cracks. Simple patching and painting can be relatively inexpensive, but if the cracks are due to foundation problems, the overall repair costs could be significantly higher. We recommend getting a free inspection from JES Foundation Repair for a precise estimate tailored to your specific situation.