Discovering cracks in your drywall can cause you to worry about the safety of the home. However, they are usually only cosmetic issues that drywall repair professionals can fix. If you want to prevent these cracks from forming, below are a few of the most common causes.

What Causes Drywall to Crack?

1. Settling Home

After building a home, it will gradually sink into the soil beneath the foundation. This is a normal process that eventually stops when the ground compacts. However, during this process, different parts of the house settle at different rates. This causes hairline cracks in the drywall. The drywall repair necessary for these cracks usually only requires you to tape and paint over the blemish to restore aesthetic appeal.

2. Drying Lumber

When homes are new, the lumber that forms the structure contains some moisture. As the lumber dries out, it shifts the frame of the home slightly, causing the drywall to crack similarly to when the foundation settles. If you recently built your home, wait for the lumber to dry before attempting drywall repair. This process can take between two to four months to complete.

3. Hidden Leaks

If the cracks in your drywall come with yellow or brown stains, you likely have a leak in the home. Listen for sounds of water dripping near the discoloration and check your attic and roof for holes to find the source. You must seal this leak before engaging in drywall repair to avoid extensive damage to the home.

4. Empty Home

If your have a rental or vacation home that is often vacant, you may experience cracks in the drywall. When homeowners regularly use air conditioning and heating systems to keep the temperature inside even, this keeps the drywall from expanding or contracting with the weather. However, when a house is empty for extended periods, the HVAC system is usually off, allowing cracks to form.

When you need drywall repair and painting services to fix your home, contact Niemann Painting in Andover, MN. With almost 30 years of experience, this painting contractor specializes in home painting, floor coatings, concrete epoxy, and more. They use cutting-edge technology and their extensive industry experience to complete your job with professionalism and excellent customer service. Call (612) 308-5809 to schedule an estimate. Learn about their services online.