Four Reasons Why Your Wall Might Begin to Form Cracks

Whether it's a hairline crack running up the side of the bathroom wall or a crack growing above the front door, one thing is certain: you'll need to fix that ASAP. 

But why do cracks happen in the first place? We're walking through 4 common reasons why cracks begin to form, so you can understand the problem as easily as you do the solution.

Buy Now

Normal Wear and Tear

If you live in an older home, the development of hairline cracks are simply results of normal wear and tear. Your aging home has battled weather over time, as well as a natural movement shifts. When your home moves, the weaker spots in your walls (like door and window frames) crack. This is generally no reason to panic; a simple patching will help give your home the face lift it requires. 

A Newer Build

If your home was built in the last few years, seeing a small crack emerge isn't cause for alarm. You might be thinking, "but this house is brand new!" In actuality, fresh lumber contains a higher moisture content, so as your home begins to age, the wood dries out and starts to contract. As a result, the walls encasing those beams might suffer a few hairlines. We recommended giving your home at least one year to expel excess moisture before mending all cracks.

Water Damage 

Whether there's a leaky line in the laundry room, bubbling in your shower, or the weight of winter's snow seeping into your attic, water damage is an incredibly common reason for cracks in drywall. If you see discoloration around the edges of a crack, this is a pretty clear sign you have water damage. Step 1 is always to find the source of the damage, and ensure all leaks are repaired. If the damage has deteriorated your drywall, you'll need to then replace it. Finally, be sure to seal your new wall with a waterproof and mold-proof mending agent like SafeMend  to avoid future issues.

Structural Foundation Issues

Most wall cracks have a simple cause and a straightforward solution. If you see cracks running horizontally rather than vertically, however, or find cracks that appear larger than 1/4 of an inch, you likely have a more serious issue on your hands. Be sure to call in professionals to inspect your foundation.

Hairline cracks might make you nervous at first, but don't crack under pressure. SafeMend Mending Agent is the quick and convenient way to repair cracked walls and make your home feel good as new. Normal wear and tear? A newer build? Water damage?  They're no match for you.

Happy fixing!

SafeMend™ Team