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Drywall cracks are a common problem in many homes and commercial lots. While cracks in drywall could be purely cosmetic, several things can cause these cracks, including issues with your foundations.

While cosmetic cracks are pretty easy to fix, if these cracks are a sign of foundation problems, you’ll want to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home and the extensive costs that could go into the repair.

Before diving into whether or not you should call a professional to fix your drywall cracks, understand what could be causing these cracks in the first place.

Common Causes of Drywall Cracks

Drywall cracks are more common than you might think, and they’re not just extremely annoying but can sometimes be a sign of bigger problems. Here are some of the common causes of drywall cracks:

Extreme Weather Conditions

When extreme weather conditions like high winds or seismic activity are present, it puts a lot of pressure on the walls of a structure, which can cause the drywall to crack.

Heavy rain and snow can also cause drywall cracks. This is especially true if water seeps between your siding and inner walls. When water gets into the wall and freezes, it expands and can cause the drywall to buckle and crack. Excessive condensation can also cause damage and cracks in the drywall if it gets trapped inside the wall.

Settling of the Structure

As a structure settles, the weight of the building will start to shift. This can cause the drywall to crack as the building tries to bear the brunt of the weight. The soil the structure is built on can also affect how much the structure settles. For example, soil with a heavier clay content will settle more easily than soil mixed with sand and gravel.

Expansive Soil Pressing Up on the Structure

Expansive soil is soil that is mixed with minerals such as smectite clays. These minerals are capable of expanding when exposed to moisture, causing the soil to swell. This can cause many problems for structures built on it because as the soil swells, it puts pressure on the foundation and can cause cracks in the drywall.

Expansive soil is most common in areas with high clay content or near bodies of water. If you live in an area with expansive soil, it’s essential to have your foundation inspected regularly to look for any signs of damage.

Poor Workmanship

Inexperienced or poor-quality workmanship is another common cause of drywall cracks. When walls are not finished correctly or when they’re not given enough time to dry and cure properly, they can develop cracks.

When to Call a Professional for Foundation Repairs

If you notice any of the following signs, then you should call a foundation repair specialist:

• Cracks that are wider than a quarter of an inch
• Cracks that run vertically or diagonally across your walls
• Cracks that appear in several places throughout your home

These could all be signs of serious foundation problems that need to be addressed by a professional.

Get Your Foundation Checked Today

Your home is your greatest investment, and you want to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. If you notice any cracks in your walls, it is best to call a professional for an inspection.

The team at Pinnacle Foundation Repair has the experience and know-how to spot foundation problems and fix them quickly and efficiently.

Worried that drywall cracks could indicate a foundation problem? Contact us today and schedule your assessment.