Drywall Cracks
Expanding drywall cracks may indicate a settling foundation. Explore Groundworks’ solutions for repairing the cause.
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Drywall cracks in your house can be a cause for worry. They can signal underlying foundation problems. Not all cracks are serious, but it’s best to have them checked by experts.
At Groundworks, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving foundation issues. Our experienced team ensures your house is well taken care of.
With years of experience across Alberta, we have a deep understanding of foundation issues and their solutions.
We offer a free estimate for foundation repairs, including those causing drywall cracks. Get in touch with us today.
What Are Drywall Cracks?
Drywall cracks are precisely that—cracks in the walls of your home. Those specific to foundation issues begin at certain “pressure points” around the home, such as near a door or window frame or around load-bearing walls. These types of drywall cracks suggest a shift in the house’s foundation.
Drywall, known for its lack of structural strength, is more prone to cracking when the foundation beneath it shifts. Hence, cracks in drywall often signal foundation problems.
Where should you look for foundation-related drywall cracks? Quickly survey your home and if you notice any of the issues below, contact Groundworks to discuss your options:
- Diagonal cracks extending from corners of doors or windows up toward the ceiling
- Cracks above doors and windows
- Long horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings
- Spiderweb-like crack patterns
Even hairline fissures may suggest a possible foundation problem. The larger the cracks, the more severe the foundation shifting could be, and the potential damage may be more extensive.
Noticing problem signs in your crawl space?
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What Causes Drywall Cracks?
Drywall cracks can be caused by:
- Settling and Soil Movement: All homes experience some foundation settling and movement as the house’s weight settles the structure into the ground. However, properties with drainage issues, excessive flooding, extreme evaporation and expansion cycles, or those built with sub-par materials may encounter foundation problems sooner and to a more significant degree.
- Home Additions or Renovations: Occasionally, a home addition or remodel can cause excess weight to be placed on one part of the house, resulting in uneven settling issues.
- Structural Foundation Issues: Sinking supports, bowed walls, or deteriorating floor joists can cause the foundation to move, resulting in drywall cracks.
- Water Damage: Leaky pipes, poorly installed guttering and other drainage issues, or moisture seeping into the crawl space can weaken the soil surrounding the home’s foundation, erode the supporting soil, and undermine the foundation.
Ignoring signs of foundation damage can be risky. The longer you wait to address foundation repairs, the more costly and extensive they become.
How Can Drywall Cracks Be Fixed?
Drywall cracks can typically be repaired quickly, particularly if they’re small. However, merely patching over the cracks without addressing the underlying issue can result in their return, often larger and worse than before.
At Groundworks, our focus is identifying and rectifying the root cause of drywall cracks before correcting any additional damage. This approach ensures that your cosmetic repairs are longer-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing.
The solutions we employ depend on the size of the cracks:
- Small Cracks: A simple patch job and fresh paint often suffice to hide hairline cracks. However, if a structural problem is causing the crack, it will reappear unless addressed.
- Major Cracks: Large cracks, big enough to slide a credit card or stiff piece of paper through, typically necessitate more extensive foundation repair. This may involve footings, anchors, I-beams, waterproofing, or other wall reinforcements. Once these measures are in place, we can proceed with drywall repair or replacement.
Foundation Repair Solutions
How Groundworks Can Help
Our foundation repair specialists are experts at identifying the specific issues that cause drywall cracks. We assess your home’s structure and the local climate to create a custom solution for long-term, durable, and beautiful results.
We utilize a range of proprietary foundation repair techniques:
- Steel foundation piers (helical or push piers) for deep ground support
- Basement and crawl space waterproofing systems, such as interior drainage or sump pumps
If your house has a basement, we may use:
- Wall anchors
- Steel I-beams
- Carbon-fiber straps
If your house has a crawl space, we may deploy:
- Crawl space support jacks
- Crawl space encapsulation to stop moisture from contributing to further foundation damage
By addressing the root cause of your drywall cracks, we’re able to provide a long-term foundation solution that includes extensive warranties. Contact us today for a complimentary estimate!
Why Address Drywall Cracks Now?
Addressing drywall cracks may seem unnecessary, especially if the damage is minor and progresses slowly. However, these are not just unsightly cosmetic issues. If ignored, the foundation problems causing these cracks can lead to more significant complications in your home.
If not addressed timely, you might encounter issues that are more difficult to fix than minor drywall cracks:
- The cracks will widen over time
- An array of cracks can lower your home’s resale value as buyers will perceive them as signs of foundation issues
Don’t wait for the problem to require a more extensive and invasive solution. Contact Groundworks today for a free estimate.
Choose Groundworks for Your Drywall Crack Repair
Ensure your home’s future stability by scheduling a free inspection with Groundworks today. As a trusted partner in foundation repair, we serve locations across Alberta.
Drywall Cracks FAQs
It depends on your policy. Insurance carriers in Alberta have different terms for their policies. Even within the same company, the coverage can vary. Review your policy carefully and contact your insurance carrier for clarification.
While you can patch and paint the cracks, it’s important to remember that if the root cause is not addressed, the cracks will reappear and likely be larger and more widespread. Ignoring the underlying issue can result in more extensive repairs than just addressing a few cracks.
The cost to repair drywall cracks depends on the extent of the damage. If the cracks are deep and there are other signs of foundation issues, the cost will be higher. Addressing the problem early usually costs less and is less invasive.