What Causes Cracks In Walls

That said interior wall cracks often have different causes than exterior wall cracks.

What causes cracks in walls.

Contents common causes of cracks. Finding cracks indoors versus finding cracks outdoors. This causes the drywall to get wet soften and deteriorate which then leads to cracking. We explore which cracks are cause for concern.

Whether cracks occur on the finished surfaces of masonry wood or metal stud walls the most common cause is the movement of building materials. Tracking down the cause or causes of wall cracks is the first step in making any assessment as to the seriousness and cost of repairing wall cracks. Several types of cracks occur in masonry walls in a building which can be minor and insignificant some requiring expensive repairs and in some extreme cases the only solution is total demolition of the wall. This is a sign of structural damage usually related to a weak wall.

Causes of these cracks in masonry walls can be movement of building causing settlement and subsidence. Long horizontal cracks that extend along the joints where interior partition walls and upstairs ceilings connect generally signify roof truss issues which cause ceilings to detach from walls. The cracks in your walls form for a reason. The causes of wall cracks.

These cracks are serious and require professional attention. Other horizontal cracks in walls may be caused by the pressure of a failing wall or indicative of load bearing problems and are a safety concern. Cracks that cause concern are those which run across the length of a ceiling and then continue down a wall along the same line. If the cracks in your walls are showing discoloration such as brown or yellow tinted stains then the problem may be the result of water damage to your home.

How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious. Leaky windows and roofs can cause moisture to get into your home s walls. Small cracks located above interior windows or doors are usually harmless. Some cracks are just annoyances while others are symptoms of a larger problem and with a little bit of know how you can tell the difference.

Causes of cracks in walls if your home was recently built cracks in walls could be the results of new home settling. While the natural movement of building materials surprises many homeowners engineers architects and builders expect and plan for natural settling shrinking and swelling.