The primary culprits behind drywall seams cracking stem from insufficient support behind the drywall and incorrect taping techniques.
In this article, we will delve into these troublesome causes of drywall cracks (i.e. to break something so that it does not separate, but very thin lines appear on its surface, or to become broken in this way and explore effective remedies).
Additionally, we’ll cover more related insights to ensure your drywall issues are comprehensively addressed.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to pinpoint the precise reasons for your drywall seam cracks until you embark on the task of cutting into the wall for a closer inspection.
While the idea of slicing into your wall might be daunting, it’s a necessary step to diagnose and rectify the drywall cracks effectively.
So, gather your drywall knife, a dropcloth, a shop vac, and let’s get to work on repairing that troublesome crack!
Reasons Why Drywall Seams Crack
The cracks in drywall seams can be attributed to several underlying factors. Let’s comprehensively explore the potential causes to prepare for what you might encounter behind the drywall.
- Uneven, loose, and missing framing, along with a lack of backing or the absence of screws at the drywall seam.
- Improper taping, including the absence of joint compound beneath paper or mesh tape.
- High humidity and significant temperature fluctuations.
- Water leaks occurring behind the drywall.
- Building shifting, natural settling, or foundation issues.
Although this list may seem overwhelming, the true causes will remain a mystery until you embark on the investigation.
We’ll start with the simplest solutions and work our way down the list to tackle more serious issues.
With any luck, it may just be a matter of a missing screw or two, so let’s begin our examination.
How To Fix Cracks in Drywall
Dealing with drywall issues is often a gamble from the outset, as a seemingly quick repair can sometimes escalate into a protracted drywall restoration process.
Problem #1 – Uneven Framing, No Backing, or Missing Screws
If you’re fortunate, the cause of your drywall seam cracks can be traced back to issues with framing or inadequate support behind the drywall.
Thankfully, this is usually a relatively straightforward problem to rectify. It will still entail cutting away the damaged drywall seam, but the subsequent steps are typically more manageable.
- Begin by removing the compromised drywall taping and eliminating any old joint compound.
- Inspect for any loose screws or nails along the damaged seam.
- Introduce new drywall screws into the joint, ensuring they secure firmly to a sturdy backing.
- Tighten the drywall screws so that they sit just below the wall surface, ensuring the joints are solidly fastened without any movement.
- Apply quick-set Durabond to the cut area as a filling coat and allow it to dry completely.
- Subsequently, apply new joint compound or Durabond (depending on the crack’s size) and adhere paper tape over the fill coat. Allow it to dry completely.
- Apply additional coats of joint compound over the paper tape and let them dry. Depending on the severity, an extra coat may be required.
- Once fully dry, lightly sand the patch and proceed with painting.
Problem #2 – Improper Taping Under Joint Tape
If you discover that the joint tape at a cracked drywall seam wasn’t adequately embedded in the drywall compound, you’ll need to address this issue.
This is often evidenced by the presence of bubbles or air pockets, which can create the perfect conditions for cracks to manifest in the drywall seams.
To resolve this common problem, you must remove the drywall paper or mesh tape and correctly embed new tape in the drywall mud along the entire seam.
While this is a relatively simple fix for a small area, there may be instances where a large portion of the project requires rework. In such cases, starting over might be the more practical approach. Regardless, the process entails removing all improperly bedded tape, applying filler mud, and introducing new tape firmly embedded in the joint compound.
Problem #3 – High Humidity or Drastic Temperature Changes
Temperature fluctuations are known to induce drywall cracks under specific conditions. However, humidity can also significantly contribute to the problem.
Various studies have confirmed that high humidity and fluctuations in humidity levels can lead to expansion and contraction of building materials.
When the wood framing behind the drywall undergoes these changes, it can result in cracks. Similarly, the drywall sheets themselves expand and contract in response to humidity variations.
To mitigate the effects of wood and drywall movement, it is advisable to acclimate building materials to the environment for at least 24 hours before installation.
By pre-conditioning the indoor temperature and humidity levels before hanging new wallboard, you can reduce the risk of cracks forming. Another effective strategy is to utilize resilient channels between the framing and drywall to minimize the impact of humidity-induced expansion and contraction.
Problem #4 – Water Leaks Behind Drywall
Cracking in drywall seams is a common consequence of water infiltrating the wall or ceiling cavity.
Water typically travels down the back of the drywall sheet, infiltrates the joints, and seeps through, creating cracks in the joint compound.
Often, a water leak not only results in drywall cracks but also leaves noticeable discoloration around the affected area.
The initial and most critical task is to locate the source of the water intrusion. It’s essential to understand that water leaks do not tend to resolve themselves; they usually worsen over time.
Ironically, drywall seam cracks resulting from water leaks can serve as a blessing in disguise. They provide an opportunity to identify plumbing issues or other serious problems before they escalate. Therefore, it is crucial not to procrastinate. Identify the source of moisture or water leaks, resolve the issue, and subsequently repair the drywall.
Problem #5 – Building Shifting and Foundation Issues
Natural settling is a common occurrence in newly constructed homes, and while it may cause some minor cracks, extensive cracking in drywall is not expected.
If severe cracks do appear, it could indicate underlying foundation issues. In such cases, it may be necessary to engage a structural engineer to inspect your home and assess the severity of the situation.
Diagonal or jagged cracks in the drywall often signify building movement, shifting, and potential foundation problems. It is imperative to address the root cause of foundation issues before attempting to patch the drywall cracks.
How To Prevent Drywall Seam Cracking
If you’re planning to install drywall and want to minimize the risk of future seam cracking, consider the following tips:
- Position butt joints over openings in doors and windows whenever feasible, reducing the number of butt joints and simplifying the taping process.
- Leave a 1/8 inch gap between butt joints to accommodate the expansion and contraction of building materials in response to temperature and humidity changes.
- Stagger the drywall joints to prevent alignment of butt joints on the same stud, a fundamental practice sometimes overlooked by novice drywall installers.
- Verify the presence of solid wood backing at the butt joints of all drywall sections.
- Use appropriate drywall screws and ensure they are properly countersunk to the correct depth, adhering to fundamental installation practices.
- Allow the drywall to acclimate to the indoor environment for at least 24 hours before installation, a precaution commonly followed for hardwood floors.
How To Keep Cracks in Drywall From Coming Back
Preventing the recurrence of drywall cracks is essential, and it begins with identifying and addressing the root cause of the issue during the initial repair:
It’s astonishing how many individuals attempt to repeatedly “mud over” a drywall crack without understanding the underlying causes.
Unfortunately, without addressing the fundamental issue, drywall cracks are almost certain to reappear.
Do Drywall Cracks Mean Foundation Problems?
Drywall cracks do not necessarily indicate foundation problems, although the stress of a shifting foundation can contribute to crack formation. However, cracks can result from various other factors:
So, the next time you come across a drywall seam crack, don’t be disheartened. Instead, view it as an opportunity to identify and resolve an underlying problem before it escalates.
Can New Homes Have Drywall Seams Cracking?
Cracks in sheetrock are not uncommon in new homes as settling occurs over time. While this is a natural part of the settling process, it can be disconcerting for new homeowners:
If you encounter drywall cracks in a newly constructed home, there’s no need to panic. Investigate the root cause of the issue, and most builders will address and rectify such concerns within the terms of the home warranty agreement.
Repairs may range from minor putty touch-ups to more extensive projects, and if you’re still under warranty, it’s advisable to let professionals handle the necessary work.
Can Leaks and Water Damage Cause Drywall Seams To Crack?
Indeed, water leaks are capable of causing drywall seam cracks, and they often signify more significant concerns:
To resolve the issue, it’s imperative to remove the water-damaged drywall, rectify the plumbing and water leaks, and subsequently install new drywall. Delaying this action is not advisable.
Will a Vacant Home Have Drywall Seams Cracking?
Vacant homes are particularly susceptible to drywall seam cracking, as the absence of occupants can lead to various stressors affecting the building materials:
Temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity can lead to drywall seam cracks, and a vacant home typically experiences more significant swings in these environmental factors. This can cause both the drywall and the underlying wood to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracking.
For additional resources and information on drywall repair pricing, you can consult sources like Amazon and Home Depot.
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