Even the most structurally sound homes may experience cracks in the walls over time. Some cracks are signs of a serious issue, and some aren’t anything to worry about. But one thing’s for sure– cracks are unsightly and can’t detract from the value of your home. So what causes cracks in your walls, and how do you know when they need to be repaired?

Causes of Cracks in Interior Walls:

Too much moisture. Water is the largest cause of all foundational issues. When water leaks into your home, it can cause structural materials to swell, rot, and weaken. This can cause a home’s walls to crack,crumble, and even onset the growth of mold.

Weather changes. When the temperature gets warmer, your homes structural materials expand, and when the temperature drops, they shrink. Because of this movement, cracks may begin to form on your walls. However, small cracks caused by expansion and shrinkage are generally nothing to worry about.

Settling. Settlement occurs when unstable soil causes the home above it to sink, or settle. This downward movement can cause cracks to form in walls, especially near the ceiling and above doorframes.

Heavy objects. Sometimes cracks form in walls for the most obvious reason; bearing too much weight. Hanging extremely heavy objects from a wall may cause it to crack due to stress. Sometimes these cracks are hidden by the object itself and do not become discovered until it is moved (or falls off the wall).

Poor drywall installation. During installation, the seams between drywall sheets must be properly taped, smoothed, and sealed. If not, cracks in the drywall will likely form.

Often, cracks in the interior walls of a home are nothing to lose sleep over. However, if you notice any of these signs, you may be facing a larger, structural issue:

Cracks run horizontally, not vertically

Doors and windows do not properly shut in their frames

Cracks are wider than a 1/4th of an inch

Cracks are forming frequently and in large amounts

If you’re unsure about the severity of a crack(s) in your walls, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional just to be safe. Ignoring what may be a structural issue in your home will cause the problem to become much worse and much more expensive. At Epp Foundation Repair, we know foundation problems better than anyone else in the Lincoln area. For questions or to schedule a consultation, contact us here!