If you’ve noticed cracking in your Drywall, there are several reasons why it could be happening. In this blog, the team at Van Matre Construction will go over the various underlying issues that can affect your drywall, many of which require a visit from an experienced foundation repair contractor.

Foundation Settlement

It’s not unusual for homes to experience minor settling months and even years after construction. While a small amount of vertical cracking doesn’t necessarily signify a problem, the following issues are all signs that your foundation is undergoing moderate to severe settling and should be investigated by a professional.

• Horizontal Cracks:  If you’re seeing cracks that are horizontal or running at a 45-degree angle, the foundation may have shifted due to soil erosion, water damage, or a similar cause. If this shifting isn’t stopped, it can make the home dangerously unstable.

• Stair-Step Cracks: Like their name suggests, stair-step cracks have a pattern that looks like a flight of stairs expanding across the drywall. Their presence means that your foundation needs urgent attention and repair.

• Sticky Doors and Windows: Do your windows and internal doors stick when you open or close them? While this can be caused by humidity, sticky doors and windows are also a sign of advanced foundation damage. 

Installation Errors

During installation, the drywall sheets must be properly taped in place before being smoothed and sealed. If this doesn’t happen, cracking may result. On a similar note: 

• Drywall sheets that are hung without the proper backing can experience movement later on and crack.
• If the installers used poor quality framing or wet lumber, it may cause movement and settlement that cracks or tears the drywall.
• If the drywall screws were poorly placed during installation, the sheet will move when the property settles, forming a crack.

Variations in Moisture and Temperature

If there are too many changes in moisture or temperature, it can cause expansion or shrinkage in the drywall. Eventually cracks may appear and spread across the material, weakening their integrity. If flooding around the foundation led to water damage, it can impact the appearance and stability of your drywall.

How are Drywall Cracks Repaired?

The source of the cracking dictates which repair methods are used. If soil movement has exerted pressure against your basement walls, carbon fiber strips will reinforce them and act as a buffer. Helical piers and push piers use advanced and proven technologies to provide a stronger anchor for homes constructed on weaker foundations while French or surface drains address any water accumulation issues that are compromising your foundation walls.

Schedule a Drywall Inspection Today

If soil movement, a settling foundation, or a faulty installation has caused cracks to form in your drywall, Van Matre Construction will identify the problem and carry out thorough and accurate repairs. We use innovative techniques that will restore stability to your home, help you preserve its value, and keep your family safe. To schedule a free, no-obligation estimate, please call 303-668-2222 or contact us online.

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