Drywall Crack Repair Tips

When do you need a professional wall inspection when drywall is cracking? It means an expense without determining the extent of the damage. Thus, cracks in walls suggest a broader issue you should address before trying to patch the crack. 

The most effective way to repair cracks in drywall is by taping and mudding. It involves scraping away any loose paper and crumbled drywall, apply tape conservatively, apply drywall “mud”, sand the surface smooth and reapply mud as needed. Repeat this process of adding mud and sanding until you have a nice smooth surface for repainting.

Let’s dive into some of the reasons why drywall cracks, so you can figure out how to prevent it from happening again.

What Can You Do If Drywall Is Cracking?

Most drywall cracks develop slowly over time, often at the joints where individual sheets are attached. Surfaces are seamless when massive drywall sheets are glued together using drywall mud and tape. Drywall cracks are not common in newly built houses unless the building is subpar.

Also, maintaining a steady humidity level, re-taping newly formed cracks, and not allowing them to spread are all effective methods for preventing drywall damage. Other effective ways include: (source)

Drywall Crack Repair Tips
Crack in drywall at corner. I covered this with Fibratape and it got buried in the cornerbead bond and mud.

Learn more with my articles How Many Screws Per Sheet here and Drywall vs Plywood here and vs Plasterboard.

Scott Boyd

Assessing The Drywall Crack

It is impossible to know how severe a wall crack is without having an expert evaluate the wall. However, you can probably tell by analyzing the crack and the area around it if it is just a visual flaw or an indication of a deeper drywall issue.

Large structural, separation gaps or horizontal fracture lines might indicate a more severe problem.

Minor wall fractures are common when houses settle in the months and years after construction. 

Examine the crack’s angle to determine its likely origin. Usually, minor structural movement or settling difficulties are indicated by jagged, stair-step, or 45-degree angle cracks.

If the fracture is vertical and begins at the wall-ceiling intersection, it may have been caused by foundation settlement. Vertical cracks in drywall are often less serious. On the other hand, horizontal or 45-degree cracks may indicate foundation displacement or water damage. 

Measuring The Drywall Crack

Use a measuring tape to determine how wide the drywall cracks. The severity of a crack is usually proportional to the width of the crack. After determining the width of the crack, it is time to check its location. 

Roof truss problems often manifest as lengthy, horizontal fractures at the seams where upper ceilings connect to internal partition walls. These fractures are severe and need expert repair. Minor cracks in the wall above an interior entrance or window are often less serious. 

Cracks may be fixed using drywall putty, sandpaper, and paint. On the other hand, severe cracks need expert assistance to diagnose the source and may require rebuilding to avoid additional damage and repair. 

Fix Minor Drywall Cracks

You need patching plaster (aka spackling) or drywall compound to repair minor cracks. You’re also going to need a spreading tool, but you could even use a piece of cardboard if you have nothing like a putty knife.

Start by making the crack have a v-shape. Take the corner of a utility knife or any other hard tool with a corner. Simply dragging the point along a crack will transform it into a V-shaped groove.

You should vacuum the dust away, and the cracks should be misted with water if they are made of plaster (not drywall) to avoid the dry plaster from absorbing all the moisture in the patching material and making it unusable before it sets properly. 

Apply patching material like spackling or joint compound to the prepared cracks using a wide putty knife.

Also, you may attempt to match a wall or ceiling with a thick texture by spraying the patch with an aerosol spray texture from a container. Drywall compound and different texturing tools, such as a whisk brush or a sponge, may be used to imitate the look of hand-applied plaster textures. 

Always use a primer before painting over a fresh joint compound or surface.

Also, always remember to use gloves and eye protection. A bit of spackling in your eye is a bad thing, so protect yourself accordingly.

Scott showing cracks and gaps in drywall
Scott showing cracks and gaps in drywall from the poor quality work from the hanging crew!

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Drywall Crack? 

Depending on the size and location of the crack, drywall repair might cost anywhere from $100 to $400. Prices range from $100 to $250 to fix cracks as tiny as a hairline and as long as 6 inches.

The costs range from $120 to $330 to repair cracks between 6” and 24” in length. Likewise, stress cracks and corner cracks may cost anywhere from $150 to $400 to repair.

Meanwhile, you may expect to spend between $75 and $95 per square foot for drywall installation and finishing, depending on the complexity of the project and the materials you choose. The typical cost to fix anything (including labor, materials, and cleaning) is $579.

Most contractors will provide you with a free estimate that includes both the cost of materials and the cost of labor. You just need to verify that the prices listed for each item on the list are included in the quotes you get. 

Also, remember that you may get different quotations from each contractor since rates vary. Because of this, it is usually a good practice to compare several quotes to choose the finest one. You may expect to spend more for a contractor with more experience and a track record of satisfied customers. (source)

broken corner at butt and bevel joint

Common Reasons Why Drywall Is Cracking 

If you’re constructing your new dream house, the fresh wood or green timber used in home construction can retain more than enough moisture and may cause wall cracks as it dries. 

Other reasons for drywall cracks are the following:

  • Ceiling joists with excessive spans
  • Movement of the structure due to storms, earthquakes, and soil movement 
  • Wet and dry seasons
  • Overloaded ceiling joists 
  • Inadequate backing in corners or ceilings 
  • Wooden studs, posts, and beams expand or contract
  • Nail or screw spacing did not comply with building codes for drywall installation
  • Poor quality in taping the drywall joints
  • Inadequate tape joints or tainted drywall mud during installation

Should I Be Worried About Cracks In My Drywall?

A crack in the wall isn’t always as serious as it seems. However, you need to examine it before it becomes worse. The sooner you take care of wall cracks, the less damage there will be to your property. In the worst situation, it might damage the property’s foundation and require expensive repairs.

If you have plans to sell your property, a crack in the drywall is an eyesore that might prevent the sale of your property. It might hinder you from selling your home if it comes up during the inspection. (source)

How Do You Tell If A Crack In A Wall Is Serious?

In some instances, the cracks may serve as a warning sign. You can tell if a crack is serious by the presence of wide fissures or cracks that run at an angle or diagonally. Although these cracks need more inspection, it does not automatically mean it is a major issue. These cracks may or may not be substantial, depending on the conditions.

​​Large, jagged, or diagonal cracks are the most dangerous kinds. If you see cracks like this, it might indicate a more significant issue, like termites or a shift in the building’s foundation. 

The severity of the cracking or surface distortion may indicate underlying structural issues or even the imminent threat of collapse. If you have any doubts, you should have a professional home inspector go over your property before doing any drywall repairs.

In particular, near windows, doors, and entries, as well as corners, a home inspector will look for bulges or movement in the wall seams. He would check if there were any movements in the foundation or tension on the interior walls. (source)

Summary 

Cracks may appear in any wall material, including drywall, plaster, and concrete. Walls in brand-new houses may develop cracks due to natural causes like settling. Settlement often occurs in homes because of the various building materials’ variable expansion and contraction rates. 

Most often, cracks in the ceiling or walls result from settling, which may be caused by changes in humidity, shifting soil, or inadequate foundations.

Although cracked drywall is usually nothing to worry about, certain types of cracks suggest far more significant structural problems. 

You can fix the crack yourself using spackle if the crack is small. Otherwise, you need to consult a professional to do the massive work for severe damage.

There could be issues if the crack grows in width or length or undergoes other abrupt changes. These are major cracks, and you should not try to fix them before seeing an expert.

Sources

  1. Cracks in the Wall? Here’s How Concerned You Should Be https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/types-of-cracks-in-the-wall/. Accessed August 2022 
  2. Solved! How Concern You Should Be About Cracks In The Walls https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cracks-in-walls/. Accessed August 2022 
  3. Fix And Prevent Cracks In Drywall Or Plaster With Tape, Compound, And Primer

https://woodiwisspainting.com/guides/fix-and-prevent-cracks-in-drywall-or-plaster-with-tape-compound-and-primer/. Accessed August 2022 

  1. How To Fix Cracks In Walls, https://www.almanac.com/how-fix-cracks-walls. Accessed August 2022 
  2. Drywall Cracks – What Causes Cracking, When Is It Structural? https://buyersask.com/interior/drywall/drywall-cracks/. Accessed August 2022 
  3. How To Determine If The Cracks In Walls Are Serious, https://www.hunker.com/12610789/how-to-determine-if-the-cracks-in-walls-are-serious. Accessed August 2022 
  4. How To Determine If The Cracks In Walls Are Serious, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-cracks-walls-serious-37395.html. Accessed August 2022 
  5. How To Repair Cracks In Plaster Walls, https://www.thespruce.com/repair-cracks-in-plaster-walls-1822837. Accessed August 2022 
  6. How Much Does Drywall Repair Cost? https://homeguide.com/costs/drywall-repair-cost#. Accessed August 2022 
  7. Compare Drywall Crack Repair Estimates Now, https://homegardenguides.com/drywall/cost-to-repair-crack-in-drywall/. Accessed August 2022 
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