Noticing Cracks In Your Home’s Drywall

Have You Seen Horizontal Cracks In Your Drywall?

Horizontal Cracks in drywall are a concern that can leave homeowners puzzled, apprehensive, and stressed out. You do not necessarily want to leave horizontal cracks unattended. Having accurate information can help you save money in the long run. Here are why horizontal cracks may appear in drywall and the steps you can take to repair them. 

New Homes with Horizontal Drywall Cracks

A common reason horizontal cracks appear in new homes is that the materials in the foundation and below it settle once the concrete dries out. When a house is newly constructed, the materials such as concrete and wood contain moisture. Once these materials dry out, the home’s concrete slabs can settle and leave the drywall with cracks. These cracks are generally easy to fix. Your construction company may use drywall plaster to correct the appearance. Usually, if you call the company that constructed your home within a year, they can come and repair the horizontal drywall cracks caused by settling. If you are uncertain of your home’s safety, get a second opinion from a structural housing inspector. 

Horizontal Cracks that Should Concern You

If your home is older than a few years and the cracking is progressive, you probably should have an expert, like Atlantic Foundation, look it over. Cracks above doorways and windows, and deep horizontal cracks on regular walls should concern you as a homeowner. These cracks could be giving you a warning. The first step is to get a free consultation from a foundation specialist. You may even ask your local home inspection agency who they recommend.

Cracks in Older Homes

Usually, cracks in older homes between the wall and foundation indicate the soil is settling, the footer’s gravel base is eroding, or your concrete slab has motion. If left unattended, a crack in a concrete slab can lead to long-term foundation damage. 

Ask about our methods offered to fix foundations. Long-term damage is costly and inconvenient. 

Minor Drywall Repair DIY for Cosmetic Dry Wall

If your foundation is determined to be sound by a trusted professional, you can follow these simple tips to repair a minor horizontal crack. Cosmetic drywall cracks occur when the drywall’s moisture evaporates, and the plaster has inconsistencies, air pockets, or bumps. 

For minor drywall damage, you can follow these simple steps for repair:

1. Use masking tape around wooden frames or detailing. 
2. Starting at one end of the horizontal crack, take a box cutter and cut diagonally from one end over to the other end. Cut the line perpendicular at a 45-degree angle and match its length to the crack. The line you cut and the drywall crack will make a wide X. Remove loose wall material.
3. Take joint compound and slowly use a taping blade to cover the crack. Smooth out any bubbles.
4. Use moist drywall tape. Wet the paper tape, lay it over the crack, and then use a taping blade to smooth out any bubbles or bumps.
5. Apply another thin layer of joint compound and feather it out past the edges about 2 inches. 
6. Apply another layer of the compound joint, and smooth it out at least six inches from the crack. Allow it to dry. Smooth it with sandpaper and paint over it. 

Foundation Repair

If you are uncertain whether or not the horizontal cracks in your drywall are foundation concerns, contact your local foundation repair company. If you live in Eastern North Carolina, check out Atlantic Foundation Repair. 

*Disclaimer-These statements are purely suggestions based upon the expertise of Foundation repair companies across the U.S. and may not apply to your particular situation. This advice is not guaranteed to render your home safe, secure, or stable.  You should always have a professional look at your home’s issues. As stated in the article, we do not recommend you undertake any DIY projects unless your home has had a safety inspection. DIY projects are not professional expertise and are approached at your own risk.