Drywall Cracks

Have you noticed unsettling cracks in the drywall of your home? Seeing these fissures spidering across your walls and ceilings can certainly be alarming. But what do they really mean?

At Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, we know that drywall cracks are usually indicative of underlying foundation problems in your home. Left unaddressed, these issues will only worsen, leading to more unsightly cracks and even structural instability.

The good news is that with our advanced foundation repair solutions, drywall cracks don’t have to be a source of constant worry. We will diagnose the root causes, implement the necessary repairs, and prevent cracks from returning.

This page explains what drywall cracks are, what causes them, and how to permanently fix them with Foundation Repair of Western Colorado’s reliable solutions.

What Are Drywall Cracks?

Drywall is the interior wall and ceiling covering used in most modern homes. It consists of panels made from gypsum sandwiched between thick paper. Drywall is mounted on wood or metal stud framing and offers an affordable, durable surface that is easy to paint and maintain.

However, since drywall itself has very minimal structural integrity, it can crack fairly easily when the underlying frame shifts or settles. Drywall cracks typically manifest as:

Diagonal cracks extending from door or window corners toward the ceiling
Fissures above doors and windows
Long horizontal or vertical cracks along walls and ceilings
Spidery crack patterns across ceilings and walls

Even very fine hairline fractures in drywall can indicate foundation problems and should not be ignored. The larger and more pronounced the cracks are, the more severe the foundational damage likely is.

What Causes Drywall Cracks in Grand Junction Homes?

There are several common sources of drywall cracks, including:

Settling and Soil Movement: As soils naturally compact over time, the foundation settles unevenly. This differential settling strains the structure and causes drywall to crack. Other soil conditions like erosion, expansion, and compression also spark foundation movement that creates drywall cracks.
Foundation Structural Damage: Issues like cracked slabs, sinking footings, or bowing basement walls signal foundational deficiencies that crack drywall as structures shift.
Remodeling or Additions: Altering home layouts and adding more weight stresses the foundation in new ways. Settling that ensues can crack drywall. Heavy new finishes like stone tiles or hardwood floors are common culprits.
Leaky Plumbing: Leaking water from pipes, gutters, and other sources erodes soil and destabilizes the foundation, resulting in drywall cracks when structural movement occurs.

Drywall cracks serve as your home’s warning system that something is wrong with the underlying foundation and structure. Disregarding these signs risks exponentially worse foundation deterioration and destruction of your property’s structural integrity.

Can Drywall Cracks Be Fixed?

Yes, drywall cracks can be repaired, but it requires more than just filling them in with spackle and repainting. While this temporarily improves aesthetics, the cracks will inevitably return if you fail to address the core foundation problems causing them.

At Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, our philosophy is to tackle the root causes behind drywall cracks for a lasting fix.

If drywall cracks are an immediate concern, here’s what you can do:

For small cracks, simple drywall patching and repainting improves appearance in the interim. But further structural repair is still needed.
Major cracks often require replacing damaged drywall after completing significant foundation repairs like installing piers, reinforcing walls, waterproofing, etc.

Our Proven Process for Addressing Drywall Cracks

At Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, our experts provide custom solutions using effective repair techniques, such as:

Foundation Piers: We utilize various types of steel foundation piers, including helical, push, or slab piers, which are embedded deeply into the ground to ensure stable support for your foundation.
Moisture Management: Our basement waterproofing systems are designed to manage moisture effectively. This includes installing interior drainage systems and sump pumps to control the moisture levels in and around your home.
Crawl Space Encapsulation: If your home features a crawl space instead of a basement, we use waterproofing and encapsulation strategies, including the installation of a vapor barrier, to manage moisture effectively.
Crawl Space Stabilization: For homes with sagging floors or weakened crawl space floor joists, we provide permanent reinforcement and lifting solutions using crawl space support jacks.

These treatments are aimed at stabilizing foundations and preventing issues like recurring drywall cracks. Additionally, we back our products with robust warranties for your peace of mind.

The Importance of Prompt Drywall Crack Repair

Postponing the repair of drywall cracks is never beneficial. Here are reasons why addressing these cracks promptly is crucial:

Cracks may indicate deeper structural issues and can worsen over time.
Delaying repairs can lead to costlier foundation repairs in the future.
Moisture can seep through these cracks, accelerating foundation deterioration.
Ignored cracks can lower your home’s value and impact its visual appeal.

Contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado for Foundation Stabilization Today!

Drywall cracks are more than just cosmetic issues; they affect the safety and structural soundness of your home. Secure your property by partnering with the region’s trusted foundation repair professionals at Foundation Repair of Western Colorado.

We’ll complete a thorough evaluation of your home and provide quick, lasting, personalized solutions to prevent further damage. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free foundation inspection.

FAQs

How long does it take to repair drywall cracks?

Patching drywall cracks can be done swiftly, but this is not a permanent fix. Addressing the root cause with foundation repairs or other solutions ensures the cracks do not reappear. Depending on the damage’s extent and the chosen repair method, these repairs can take anywhere from one to two days. Contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado to learn more and schedule a free inspection.

How much does it cost to repair drywall cracks?

While basic patchwork might be relatively inexpensive, it doesn’t address potential underlying foundation problems. For a comprehensive, free inspection and detailed quote, contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado. We also provide transparent pricing and various financing options to meet your budget.

How do surface cracks differ from structural drywall cracks?

Surface cracks are usually superficial, affecting only the outer layer of the drywall. In contrast, structural cracks are deeper and often stem from foundational issues. For a thorough inspection and estimate, and to understand more about the nature of these cracks, contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado.