Cracks in the walls can reveal a lot about your home’s health. These imperfections are a natural result of everyday use — and sometimes can be a sign of something more serious.
Some cracks can appear within the first year as your house settles and dries out, but timing and severity of certain cracks depend on factors like your home’s construction type, building quality, foundation, and soil conditions.
Small cracks? Not an immediate issue. Big ones? Don't let them become big problems. Catch them early and you may save yourself time, money, and stress.
In this guide, we’ll go over the different types of wall cracks, common root causes, and the best course of action for completing repairs.
Level of urgency: Low
Thin, spiderweb-like hairline cracks are less than 1 millimeter wide — about the width of a human hair — and are the most common drywall cracks. They appear due to normal house settling or minor fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Hairline cracks can run in any direction and don't require immediate attention. You’ll still want to monitor the cracks each week to check for a change in length and width and address any moisture issues like improper drainage. If you notice the crack growing wider or longer, consult a professional structural engineer for evaluation to assess the cause and recommend any necessary repairs.
Hairline cracks can be caused by:
Actions to take:
Level of urgency: Low to Moderate
As a result of foundation settlement, vertical cracks travel straight up and down, following the line where the wall meets the floor, and vary in size. These cracks generally pose minimal concern if there are no significant length or width increases.
Vertical cracks need to be assessed once they are greater than 5 millimeters wide. If the crack is close enough to the ground and easily accessible, use a ruler to measure its width. For high cracks, mark either side with a pencil 1 inch apart and monitor the distance. If you detect dampness or widening cracks, seek professional help.
Vertical cracks can be caused by:
The urgency of addressing a vertical crack depends on its size:
Actions to take:
Level of urgency: High
Horizontal cracks running along the wall plane can be a serious sign of foundation issues and potential structural drywall cracks. These cracks are often the result of structural movement as expansive soils build up against the foundation wall. They will progressively widen without proper care, potentially causing complete wall failure.
Consult a professional for any horizontal crack, regardless of width. This urgency is because horizontal cracks signify movement or pressure on the foundation walls. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent further damage.
Horizontal cracks can be caused by:
Actions to take:
Level of urgency: High
Diagonal cracks run at an angle on the wall from corner to corner, slanted at a 45-degree angle compared to the vertical wall plane. These cracks, regardless of size, need immediate attention from a professional.
Early intervention is key since diagonal cracks are a sign of foundation settlement, often as a result of the earth pushing on the concrete basement wall. Early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing more extensive damage to your foundation and the overall structural integrity of your home.
Diagonal cracks can be caused by:
Actions to take:
Cracks are most commonly caused by expansion and contraction of building materials. This occurs due to changes in both moisture content and temperature. These minor shifts can lead to hairline cracks in drywall or plaster, especially in newer homes during the first few years. Use a home maintenance checklist to help you monitor changes in your home and plan repairs like foundation work.
Construction imperfections may also be a contributing factor. For instance, improperly taped drywall joints or shrinkage in concrete foundation walls lead to cracks.
Leaks from roofs, plumbing, or poor ventilation can also lead to moisture buildup in walls, causing cracks. As a homeowner, it’s important to look out for any moisture present to help prevent water damage and further structural damage.
Not all cracks are created equal. The size and location of wall cracks are key factors. Large cracks wider than 5 millimeters are a cause for concern, especially if they are diagonal, horizontal, or above a door frame. These cracks could indicate foundation movement, stress on structural supports, or settling issues. It’s helpful to get a professional opinion in these cases.
The presence of multiple cracks, especially if they are clustered together in a specific area, also calls for attention. This suggests there could be a widespread problem that requires a professional evaluation to determine the cause and best course of action.
By addressing cracks promptly, you can help prevent them from worsening and safeguard the structural integrity of your home.
While not always a cause for alarm, cracks in your walls or ceilings are fairly common. They might seem visually alarming, but understanding them can help identify the difference between a minor cosmetic imperfection and a more significant structural problem. The free Hippo Home app provides a personalized checklist to monitor those settling cracks and other potential issues.
Download the Hippo Home app today from the Google Play Store or App Store to help you tackle minor maintenance tasks yourself.
Disclaimer:
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This guidance and advice is not error-proof and not applicable to every home. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and neither Hippo nor Hippo Home is responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance.
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