Drywall Cracks

Drywall cracks raise many questions and concerns for homeowners. You may wonder how to fix cracks in drywall or whether underlying foundation issues exist.
JES Foundation Repair has decades of experience diagnosing and resolving foundation issues in Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Northeast NC, and West Virginia.
This page covers the causes of drywall cracks, how to repair them, and why JES Foundation Repair is the best choice for the job.
What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall cracks are fractures in the boards that form interior walls and ceilings, often signaling foundation settlement or shifts. Because drywall lacks structural strength, it is prone to cracking when the foundation moves.
Signs of drywall cracks include:
- Diagonal cracks extending from door or window corners upward toward the ceiling
- Cracks above doors and windows
- Horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings
- Cracks forming spiderweb-like patterns
Minor fissures may also indicate drywall cracks and foundation problems. The larger the drywall crack, the more urgent it is to schedule a foundation inspection.
What Causes Drywall Cracks?
Drywall cracks are caused by several factors, including:
- Settling and Soil Movement: All homes experience some natural settlement as the ground soil compacts over time. However, excessive or uneven settlement due to soil erosion, voids, or soil expansion causes foundation cracks that transfer to 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 add weight, create uneven weight distribution, lead to foundation changes, and cause 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 worsen the issue and result in expensive future repairs.
How Can Drywall Cracks Be Fixed?
Drywall cracks often signal an underlying foundation issue. Some homeowners may be tempted to patch these cracks or repaint the wall. However, these are temporary DIY fixes that do not address the underlying cause of damage. At JES Foundation Repair, we identify and solve foundation problems, providing durable, long-term drywall crack solutions.
Here’s how to fix cracks in drywall:
- Small Cracks: 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 solutions like 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

At JES Foundation Repair, our experts identify the underlying causes of drywall cracks and apply specialized foundation repair techniques, such as:
- Foundation Piers: Helical piers, push piers, and slab piers provide robust underground support.
- Water Management Systems: Basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, including interior drainage, and sump pumps manage water intrusion.
- Foundation Wall Stabilization: Wall anchors, steel I-beams, and carbon fiber straps restore stability and alignment for homes with basements.
- Crawl Space Support: Crawl space support jacks enhance foundation support and stabilize floors.
We address drywall cracks with long-term, warrantied foundation repair solutions.
Why Should I Address Drywall Cracks Now?
It’s tempting to ignore drywall cracks or delay addressing them, as they often appear as cosmetic concerns. However, the opposite is true. Postponing repair can lead to costly and complex issues, such as:
- Worsening 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 Dry Wall Crack Solutions

Secure your home’s future by scheduling a free inspection with JES Foundation Repair today. Proudly serving Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Northeast NC, and West Virginia, we are your trusted partner in addressing drywall cracks and foundation problems.
Drywall Crack FAQs
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.
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.
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.
Explore more problem signs

Our Locations
8361 Town Center Ct
Nottingham, MD 21236
311 Central Rd.
Suite 2-02
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
2569 Quality Ct
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
7940 Gainsford Ct.
Bristow, VA 20136
309 Quarles Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
2033 Cook Dr.
Salem, VA 24153
456 Old Courthouse Rd
Appomattox, VA 24522
45 W Boscawen St,
Winchester, VA 22601