Cause Of Drywall Cracks In A Ceiling

The origin of ceiling cracks can be difficult to decipher, especially because they come in all different sizes, patterns, and colorations. As a concerned homeowner, you need to be able to pinpoint the exact cause to execute the correct repair.

Cause Of Drywall Cracks In A Ceiling

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Hairline ceiling cracks are tiny, thin fissures that almost look like someone painted hair to the drywall. Hairline cracks are typically caused by plaster or drywall mud issues, not the drywall itself. Extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature can result in plaster expansion and shrinkage (in direct correlation with the water absorption).

While hairline ceiling cracks might be an eyesore, they are not indicative of serious structural damage. They are usually addressed easily enough with a fresh coat of paint. Temperature and humidity control can help deter future hairline cracks from occurring.

Straight ceiling cracks run in a straight line, so straight it almost looks like they were applied with a ruler. Generally, these cracks are straight because they follow the straight edge of the drywall tape along the drywall joint. Ceiling cracks tend to be fine and can generally be attributed to an insufficient amount of plaster used during the drywall installation. The drywall tape is unable to properly adhere to the joints and peels away due to a lack of strength.

In short, straight lines are almost always the result of an incompetent drywall tape application. A professional can quickly address this by patch-and-painting. Straight ceiling cracks are not usually ominous or suggestive signs of serious structural damage, just human error.

Ceiling cracks that seem to pull away from the wall are typically the result of truss uplift. Trusses act as the frame for the roof and ceiling and help determine its shape. Ceiling trusses are designed to be flexible and adapt to humidity and temperature fluctuations. Occasionally, usually due to extreme wind or weather fluctuations, the trusses can pull away from the ceiling.

In this article, you learned how to identify common ceiling cracks, determine their likely source of origin, and how seriously you should treat each fissure. This information will help guide you to whether you need to hire a professional or fix it yourself.

Even the best-maintainedbuildings are vulnerable to damage. Though buildings arestationary, their parts discreetly shift and move over time inresponse to weather, aging materials, and typical wear and tear.Ceiling cracks are a common type of damage that building owners andresidents should monitor. When a ceiling crack is anything otherthan a small, shallow crack, building owners Cuyahoga County,Geauga County, and Lake County should contact Keystone HomeInspection toassess the damage and provide detailed information andrecommendations on how to mitigate the damage.

The three most common causes of ceiling cracks are buildings aging,structural damage, and substandard construction. Drywall that isnot correctly installed can cause ceiling cracks; often, drywalldamage can be easily repaired with reapplications of drywall mudand tape. As buildings become older, they face problems such asfoundations settling and materials weaking, contributing to damagesuch as ceiling cracks. Moisture damage is one type of structuraldamage that can lead to ceiling cracks when water travels from theroof or an upper room to settle above the ceiling. When rooms aboveother rooms have several heavy objects, the strain caused by theweight can damage the ceiling of the room below it. Ceiling crackstriggered by settling foundations are an indicator of seriousstructural problems and should be treated immediately.

As devastating as severe damageto a building can be, many types of damage not related to immediatedisasters or catastrophic circumstances can be easily detected byvigilant residents. Building owners should hire an inspector whenthey see ceiling cracks that travel down walls, a concentrated massof small ceiling cracks, or ceiling cracks that are paired withsagging. Building owners and residents who spot ceiling cracksshould look for potentially-related signs of damage, includingdoors and windows that stick, uneven floors, cracks on walls andfloors, water accumulation in basements, and fixtures such as wallsand chimneys that have been separated from the building.

Even the most well-maintained houses are susceptible to damage over time, and ceiling cracks are one of the most common ones. The good news is, not all cracks are worth losing sleep. While some merely add to the old-house charm, few may be dangerous if not taken care of. Thus it is essential to assess the damage and understand the solutions at hand.

As buildings or homes age, they tend to settle in the soil on which it was built, leaving behind small cracks on the ceilings, walls, and around windows. These cracks are typically harmless and can be easily repaired.

Drastic fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels may also lead to ceiling cracks. Building materials expand in warm temperatures and contract with a fall in temperature. This continuous expansion and contraction place stress on the joints causing them to crack.

An incorrect installation, poorly taped joint, or insufficient use of drywall mud may result in thin straight cracks in ceilings along the edges of the drywall tape. These cracks can be easily repaired and are usually not a structural or safety hazard. However, if drywall cracks are larger than hairline width, this may indicate a foundational problem and requires a structural engineer to examine the same and offer a solution.

Spiderweb cracks resemble tiny spider webs with a center point and then spread out in all directions. These cracks often appear on textured ceilings and are an outcome of improper application of drywall compounds. Thick drywall compound instead of thin layers causes the compound to shrink, creating a spiderweb crack. In case of such cracks, size is of importance. If the crack is wider than 1/8th of an inch, it could be a part of a more significant structural problem.

Repeated coats of paint over the years increase the chances of cracks. With time, the layers under the topcoat tend to get brittle from continuous expansion and contraction from the change in temperature and moisture levels. This causes the less flexible lower coats to crack, eventually affecting the topcoat and creating thin hairline cracks in the ceiling.

A sagging or bowed ceiling crack is an indication of a serious problem and requires urgent attention. Multiple factors could be responsible for these large cracks, such as heavyweight above the ceiling, loosening of beams and joists holding the ceiling in place, leakage in the roof causing the wooden frame to rot, incorrect removal of a load-bearing wall, or impact on other support members. Such cracks in ceilings imply that the framework is damaged or compromised. A structural engineer is well suited to identify the cause, evaluate the structure and offer the best solutions.

Horizontal cracks between interior walls and the ceiling appear due to truss uplift. Roof trusses are designed to move when their wood expands or contracts with fluctuation in temperature and moisture levels in the attic. This results in the ceiling drywall lifting due to the roof truss being pulled upwards in few scenarios, creating a crack between the wall and the ceiling. The primary reason for this is when drywall panels are attached to the trusses near the edge of a non-load-bearing wall. Truss uplifts may also cause the truss to move forward, lifting the ceiling with it. In such cases, it is best advised to seek help from a professional to repair the damage.

If you encounter multiple cracks across the ceilings and throughout the house, this may indicate structural damage. It is recommended to get a structural engineer to evaluate these cracks and offer the best possible way to fix the issue.

Ceiling cracks are a common occurrence, and often, they are not major issues concerning your safety. However, it is essential to identify the ones caused by structural damage that require foundation repair. The location and size of the crack are of utmost importance when examining these cracks. Some of the cracks in ceilings to look out for are:

If you have noticed cracks in your ceiling, it may be a sign of foundation problems. However, some cracks are normal and not a cause for concern. Knowing the difference in ceiling cracks can reduce your stress and help save your home from structural damage.

If you have cracks in your ceiling, it's important to determine whether or not they are a cause for concern. Some cracks are simply the result of normal settlement and are not indicative of any underlying problems. However, other types of cracks can be a sign of more serious issues, such as foundation problems. Foundation problems can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from improper construction to changes in the soil that supports the foundation. If you're unsure whether or not your ceiling cracks are cause for concern, it's always best to consult with a professional.

Cracks in your ceiling can be unsightly, but they may also be a sign of a serious problem. If the cracks are large or numerous, it could be a sign that your ceiling is structurally unsound. By taking action quickly, you can help to ensure that your ceiling remains safe and sound.

If the crack is located along the edges of the ceiling it is because of natural house settlement. If you notice wide, long horizontal cracks across your ceiling or multiple cracks, you should contact a professional immediately.

Firstly, the best thing to do if you find ceiling cracks is to schedule a free inspection with a reliable contractor. The contractor will check the crack to determine its severity and what steps may need to be taken. In fact, many times a crack is nothing to worry about. Either way, our contractors offer free inspections to make the most out of your time. Ultimately, Contacting My Foundation Repairs and talking with a contractor is the way to go. Learning more about ceiling cracks and what they mean for your foundation is important to finding solutions that work. 2ff7e9595c