How to Repair Cracked Walls

When cracks occur in your home's walls, they're usually not a cause for alarm. Many are simply an inevitable part of house settling and the building materials expanding and contracting, as well as shifting soil beneath the home (known as subsidence). A few kinds of cracks indicate serious structural problems, though. Stepped and horizontal cracks, for example, signal a significant movement of the foundation or cracked wall repairs should be checked by a licensed contractor as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Superficial cracks on walls are generally cosmetic blemishes that can be fixed with a putty knife and joint compound. To fix these, first clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Then, sand the dried compound to smooth and even it. When sanding, wear a face mask to prevent inhaling the dust. Once the crack is sanded, you're ready to apply new compound.

Large cracks in drywall require a little more effort and supplies to repair than smaller ones. To make sure that the repair sticks, spread a layer of drywall tape over the crack before spreading a layer of drywall mud. The drywall tape provides structural reinforcement and helps prevent the cracks from reappearing a few months later.

Cracks in a plaster wall can also be repaired using spackling and a putty knife. This method works well for small hairline cracks in walls and doorways, which may be caused by a change in moisture levels or by a house settling.

If the crack extends through a seam's paper tape, carefully widen it with a utility knife or drywall saw (Image 1) to reveal the underlying drywall and studs. Remove any loose drywall compound and fill in the crack, being careful not to sand or cut through the tape. Then, re-tape the seam with new drywall tape and apply another coat of drywall compound.

Structural cracks, on the other hand, are often due to a deeper breakage in the underlying wall or to detachment of a panel from the studs. These are more likely to reappear, especially if the problem is not addressed promptly.

In older homes, a common cause of cracks is the shrinking and expansion of the wood framing. This is especially noticeable in areas near doorways and windows, where the studs are exposed to more humidity and temperature changes than other parts of the house. When the studs shrink, they weaken the plaster or drywall that is attached to them. As the drywall or plaster shrinks, it pulls away from the framing, and this can eventually lead to a crack. In some cases, the shrinkage can be stopped by adding insulation or sealing the gap with a special product like Selleys No More Big Gaps. In other cases, major repairs will be needed.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all works.