Drywall Cracks

Drywall cracks can be concerning, but what do they really mean? These cracks often indicate foundation problems and may require professional attention. Understanding what causes them can help prevent further damage to your home.

Mount Valley Foundation Services, founded in 1986, is South Carolina’s pioneer in foundation repair. This page covers the causes of drywall cracks, how to address them, and why we are South Carolina’s best choice for professional foundation repair solutions.

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What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall cracks are separations or fissures in the panels used for interior walls and ceilings, typically caused by a sinking or settling foundation. Since drywall lacks structural strength, it easily cracks under pressure or stress.

Signs of drywall cracks include:

Diagonal cracks extending from door or window corners toward the ceiling
Cracks above doors and windows
Horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings
Web-like networks of cracking on walls and ceilings

Even minor hairline cracks can signal foundation problems. Larger cracks typically indicate foundation damage.

What Causes Drywall Cracks?

Common causes of drywall cracks include:

Soil Shifts and Settling: Homes naturally settle as the soil beneath them compacts. However, excessive or uneven settling, often caused by unstable soil, can lead to foundation cracks that extend to the drywall. Soil movement is the leading cause of drywall cracks.

Structural Damage: Conditions like sinking footings or cracked slabs can lead to drywall cracks.
Home Renovation or Expansion: Adding extra weight to your home, such as from new construction or heavy flooring, can cause the foundation to shift, leading to drywall cracks.
Plumbing Leaks: Moisture caused by pipe leakage or clogged, damaged gutters can erode soil, causing foundation instability.

Ignoring drywall cracks risks further damage to your home’s foundation and compromises its structural integrity. Address drywall cracks at the first sign of damage to prevent safety risks.

Can You Fix Drywall Cracks?

Fixing drywall cracks involves more than just a quick patch-up and a new coat of paint. While cosmetic repairs temporarily conceal the problem, they do not resolve the underlying cause of damage, which often lies in your home’s foundation. Temporary DIY drywall repair usually leads to more significant problems, such as increased stress on your home’s structure, potential plumbing issues, and safety hazards like wall or ceiling collapse. Over time, the cost of extensive foundation and drywall repairs can increase significantly, making it essential to address the root cause as early as possible.

Repairing drywall cracks caused by foundation damage requires long-term, professional solutions.

How Mount Valley Foundation Services Addresses Drywall Cracks

Mount Valley Foundation Services’ experts provide free inspections to diagnose the underlying cause of drywall cracks and offer customized repair solutions. The methods we use for your home will depend on factors like the extent and location of the damage, the underlying soil conditions, and other factors. Our foundation repair techniques include the following:

Foundation Piers: Helical piers, slab piers, or push piers are driven deep into the ground for foundation reinforcement and alignment.
Waterproofing Systems: Interior drainage systems, sump pumps, basement dehumidifiers, and wall vapor barriers prevent water seepage and related foundation damage.
Wall Repair Systems: Wall anchors, steel I-beams, and/or carbon fiber straps reinforce basement walls, while crawl space support jacks reinforce sagging and uneven floors related to foundation damage.
Crawl Space Encapsulation: Includes sump pumps, crawl space dehumidifiers, flood vents, vapor barriers, and other solutions to help prevent crawl space water issues that lead to foundation damage.

Our solutions provide lasting results by stabilizing and realigning foundations, preventing the return of drywall cracks. We back every service with long-term warranties.

Why Repair Drywall Cracks Now?

Addressing drywall cracks promptly is crucial for several reasons. Here’s why:

Drywall cracks worsen over time, leading to more extensive structural damage.
Delayed action may result in more expensive foundation repairs later.
Moisture can enter through drywall cracks, accelerating damage.
Unresolved drywall cracks adversely affect property value and aesthetics.
Procrastination complicates future repair options.

Choose Mount Valley Foundation Services Today!

Mount Valley Foundation Services team standing in front of branded work truck

Resolve drywall cracks with professional, long-term solutions. Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services to schedule a free inspection and receive a no-obligation foundation repair quote. We offer prompt, permanent solutions to prevent further damage and protect your investment.

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Drywall Crack FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Repair Drywall Cracks and the Underlying Foundation Issues?

The timeline for repairing drywall cracks and associated foundation problems varies depending on the extent of the damage. For minor cracks, patching and painting may only take a day or two. However, addressing the root cause—typically foundation issues—can take considerably longer. Comprehensive foundation repairs may require several weeks to complete. At Mount Valley Foundation Services, we offer a detailed timeline during our free inspection, ensuring you know what to expect.

Are Drywall Cracks a Safety Hazard?

Drywall cracks themselves are not an immediate safety hazard, but they can be a warning sign of more serious structural problems in your home. Ignoring these cracks may eventually compromise the structural integrity of your house, making it unsafe for occupancy. Early intervention prevents further damage and ensures your home remains a safe place to live.

Does Home Insurance Cover Drywall Crack Repairs?

Home insurance policies vary widely, and coverage for drywall cracks depends on the root cause. If the cracks are due to sudden and accidental events like burst pipes, your policy might cover repair costs. However, most home insurance policies do not cover “wear and tear” or “settling,” which are often the underlying causes of drywall cracks. It’s essential to consult your insurance provider for specific information regarding your coverage.

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