What Causes Cracks In Drywall

Typically plaster ceiling cracks have two causes.

What causes cracks in drywall.

As previously mentioned stress is usually the main reasons that cracks occur. Homes are constantly settling as different construction materials expand and contract at different rates. The mud fills in the. Illustrations show where cracks are most likely to appear explain why and suggest both repair approaches to drywall cracks and how to prevent cracking in plasterboard or gypsum board.

This article describes the common causes of all types of cracks that appear in drywall or gypsum board or plasterboard walls ceilings in building interiors. Vacation homes and vacant homes often have a higher incidence of drywall cracks caused by temperature and sometimes humidity issues than homes that are lived in full time. Some of the more common ones are. Most drywall cracks occur on the seams where two pieces of drywall meet.

If the leak is intermittent or slow the drywall around the crack may discolor because wet drywall is a favorite breeding ground for mold. Vacation homes and vacant homes. The drywall itself may also be spongy and it may sag. Cracks in your drywall or plaster interior walls could be the result of your house settling which could come from the foundation or may be the result of earth movement according to gregg cantor.

Like other wall cracks these can be re taped and painted. Drywall cracks in ceilings or walls. Common causes of drywall cracks. Usually the seams are invisible due to the use of drywall mud and tape.

More severe cracks usually require professional help to determine the exact cause and. Cracks that develop quickly may be warning you about a leak in an upstairs plumbing fixture or in the roof. This may cause drywall cracks and in some homes the cracks may open or close due to the seasonal changes. House settling and temperature or moisture fluctuations in an attic which result in the expansion or contraction of framing members.

However there are many potential causes of stress. Whether drywall plaster or concrete walls are susceptible to cracks even walls in newly built homes are prone to cracks which normally occur from settling.