Drywall Cracks

If you’ve noticed cracks in your home’s drywall, it could indicate more significant foundation issues requiring repair. While harmless hairline cracks are common, wider gaps or clusters of more minor cracks often result from underlying structural problems.

Identifying the root cause and implementing solutions protects your home’s safety and value. As the region’s leading provider of foundation repair services for over 20 years, Basement Authority of West Virginia has the expertise to diagnose and repair drywall cracks and related foundation damage.

This article explores what causes drywall cracks, how they relate to foundation damage, and why hiring a professional is crucial.

What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall cracks are fissures or gaps in the plasterboard panels of your walls and ceilings. While small cracks alone are mostly harmless, larger or clustered cracks often signal underlying foundation issues that require attention.

Frequent indicators of drywall cracks include:

Diagonal cracks extending from the corners of doors or windows toward the ceiling.
Cracks above doors and windows.
Lengthy horizontal or vertical cracks extending along walls and ceilings.
Delicate, web-like cracks spanning across walls and ceilings.

Small hairline cracks serve as early signs of potential foundation issues. As these cracks enlarge, the probability of actual foundation damage increases.

What Causes Drywall Cracks?

Several elements contribute to the occurrence of drywall cracks and foundation issues. These factors include:

Soil Settlement and Displacement: Homes naturally settle as soil compacts over time. Excessive or uneven settling, due to factors like soil expansion, erosion, or compression, is the main cause of foundation cracks appearing on drywall.
Foundation Structural Issues: Sinking foundations and cracked slabs result in drywall cracks as the foundation shifts.
Remodeling or Additions: Introducing weight to certain areas of a home, such as building an addition or installing heavy materials like tile, stone, or wood flooring, can trigger foundation settlement, leading to subsequent drywall cracking.
Leaky Plumbing: Water leaks and moisture seepage from underground pipes, gutters, and other sources can erode soil and destabilize foundations.

Drywall cracks are indicators of underlying structural issues in your home. Neglecting these signs worsens these foundation problems and compromises the structural integrity of your residence.

Can You Fix Drywall Cracks?

Yes, drywall cracks can be fixed; however, they require professional repair.

We advise against quick DIY solutions. DIY drywall repairs often fail to address foundation problems, leading to the recurrence of cracks. Effectively managing drywall cracks entails tackling the root causes first.

Consider these essential points:

Patching and painting small cracks temporarily improve appearance, but addressing foundation issues is essential to prevent their return.
Implement professional foundation repairs like pier systems, waterproofing, or wall reinforcements for significant cracks first, then replace damaged drywall.

We expertly diagnose foundation issues and employ cutting-edge solutions to restore their full strength, ensuring upper-level support without compromising drywall.

How Basement Authority of West Virginia Repairs Drywall Cracks

Basement Authority of West Virginia conducts a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation and drywall cracks, addressing root causes with tailored solutions.

Our exclusive foundation repair techniques include:

Utilization of steel foundation piers (such as helical piers and push piers) driven deep into the ground for robust reinforcement.
Implementation of waterproofing systems, incorporating interior drainage and sump pumps.
Installation of wall anchors, steel I-beams, carbon fiber straps, and pier systems for homes with a basement.
Integration of crawl space support jacks for homes with a crawl space.

Additionally, we offer crawl space encapsulation to prevent moisture-related foundation and drywall damage.

Basement Authority of West Virginia utilizes exclusive products ensure lasting stability, strengthening foundations, preventing water leaks, and averting recurring drywall cracks.

Why Address Drywall Cracks Now?

Proactively address signs of structural instability, like clusters of small cracks or large gaps in drywall. Acting swiftly protects your home’s integrity, minimizing damage and ensuring cost-effective restoration.

Addressing drywall cracks is essential for various reasons:

Drywall cracks signal potential structural foundation instability.
Neglecting cracks may result in more expensive foundation repairs in the future.
Cracks can permit moisture seepage, accelerating foundation deterioration.
Neglecting drywall cracks diminishes your home’s aesthetic and potentially reduces its resale value.
Postponing repairs worsens existing foundation settlement issues.

Safeguard your home with reliable foundation repair services and prevent safety hazards with solutions from Basement Authority of West Virginia.

Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for Expert Foundation Repair Service

Entrust your home to Basement Authority of West Virginia, the leading regional provider of foundation solutions for two decades. Our highly trained technicians utilize exclusive products to address unstable soil and moisture issues, ensuring permanent foundation repairs that restore safety, value, and peace of mind.

FAQs

How long does foundation repair take?

Foundation repair times vary based on the damage’s extent, repair techniques, and other factors. Typically, repairs are completed in one to two days, following the inspection, with no need to vacate your home during the process.

How much does drywall crack repair cost?

Drywall crack repair costs vary based on many intricate factors. For an accurate estimate, contact Basement Authority of West Virginia to schedule a free inspection. We offer flexible financing options to meet your budgetary needs.

What distinguishes surface cracks from drywall cracks?

Surface cracks are cosmetic concerns, penetrating only the drywall surface. Structural cracks, however, extend through the entire drywall and typically result from foundation movement. Only structural cracks require foundation repair.

Distinguishing between the two can be challenging, so it’s advisable to seek a professional assessment promptly if you notice any cracks. Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for a free inspection.