What Causes Cracks In Drywall

Homes are constantly settling as different construction materials expand and contract at different rates.

What causes cracks in drywall.

The mud fills in the. Then layers of drywall mud are added to feather the seam smooth with the rest of the wall. 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.

If the crack is horizontal or runs at a jagged 45 degree angle it might mean there s a more serious problem. However there are many potential causes of stress. 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. Typically plaster ceiling cracks have two causes.

Being knowledgeable about drywall cracks and their causes can help homeowners determine the seriousness. Common causes of drywall cracks. The wrong type of drywall mud was used. 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.

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. Vertical cracks run the same direction as drywall generally making them less serious. Most drywall cracks occur on the seams where two pieces of drywall meet. As previously mentioned stress is usually the main reasons that cracks occur.

One reason drywall cracks is because the wrong type of drywall mud was used when taping. Causes of drywall cracks. Cracks that are larger than 1 8 inch are much more of a concern than hairline cracks. Some of the more common ones are.

Usually the seams are invisible due to the use of drywall mud and tape. The cracks may occasionally be a red or yellow flag that a problem is beginning to appear or that there is a serious problem. House settling and temperature or moisture fluctuations in an attic which result in the expansion or contraction of framing members.