Walls do more than provide privacy or a blank canvas for interior design; they also offer support to hold up your home. For this reason, homeowners may often feel a sense of panic if they ever notice a crack forming in their walls. But while these cracks may be noticeable, they don’t always have to spell trouble if you catch and address the problem early on. To help you assess the condition of your walls—and determine if you need professional foundation repair—here are five common causes of structural cracking and what you can do about them.

5 Common Causes of Wall Cracking & How to Address Them

1. Water Damage

Improper basement waterproofing, plumbing problems, and leaking roofs are all water damage issues that cause walls to crack. If the problem hasn’t spread too far, you can prevent further cracking by fixing the source of water damage and drying the walls. If warping has occurred, structural repairs may be necessary.

2. Poor Drywall Installation

When drywall panels are initially installed, they must be taped and sealed at the seams. Without proper joining, these seams are likely to shift and contribute to cracking. If you can’t patch up the cracks, replacing the drywall may be necessary.

3. Temperature Changes

Dramatic changes in temperature—such as those that occur between seasons—can cause the structural components of your property to expand and contract. When these fluctuations occur, the stress forms wall cracks. In most cases, the damage will be small enough to repair with spackle and paint. However, if the cracks are deep or large, you may need to call a contractor for foundation repair.

4. Stress

Excessive pressure on one area of a wall can cause it to crack. For example, when a nail isn’t enough to hold up a heavy painting, the excess weight may cause the drywall to split. When the stress is related to an isolated incident, repairing the crack and adjusting decor to reduce pressure on the wall is usually all that’s needed.

5. Settling Foundation

When the soil beneath your home shifts, walls may move and cause hairline cracks to form—usually above doors and windows. If you notice cracking and other signs of settling—such as uneven floors or sticky doors and windows—call Master Waterproofing for a foundation inspection. While not always necessary, foundation repair may be necessary to keep the structure stabilized.

If you’re concerned about cracks in your walls, turn to the professionals at Master Waterproofing for answers. As a trusted foundation contractor of Elizabethtown, KY, this company will pinpoint structural issues accurately and will supply reliable swift repairs to stabilize the property. And, if the cracks are related to moisture control issues, these specialists also offer comprehensive waterproofing services to manage water damage risks. Visit this foundation repair team online to learn more about their services, and call (270) 769-3434 to request an estimate.