What Causes Cracks in Drywall — and When to Worry

Written By Josh Berryman

Drywall cracks are a common issue in AZ homes and rentals - especially in areas like Chandler and Gilbert, where shifting soil and temperature swings can stress building materials.

But, some cracks are worse than others.  Some are cosmetic, while others may hint at a deeper issue.

Common Causes of Drywall Cracks

Most cracks fall into one of these categories:

  • Normal Settling: As a home ages, it naturally shifts and settles.  This can cause small, hairline cracks, especially near windows, doors and corners

  • Poor Installation: If the drywall tape wasn’t applied correctly, and might not have enough drywall mud underneath, cracks can appear along seams or corners.  The drywall mud acts as an adhesive for the drywall tape, and if there isn’t enough, it’ll fail.

  • Foundation Movement: More serious cracks may result from shifting foundations, especially in areas with expansive clay soil.  Sometimes, these cracks will show not only in the drywall, but extend out into the flooring as well.

  • Water Damage: When drywall is wet down, the drywall mud at seams can weaken, leading to cracks along seams.  

When to Worry

Here’s how to tell if a drywall crack is more than just cosmetic:

  • Wide or Jagged Cracks: Anything wider than about ⅛ in suggests structural movement

  • Cracks with Discoloration: These suggest water damage, and may require replacement of sections of drywall in addition to crack repair

  • Diagonal Cracks: Especially those running from corners of doors or windows - these may point to foundation issues.

  • Recurring cracks: If it’s been patched and it keeps coming back, it may be time to investigate further before re-patching

Why Hire a Professional

Even minor cracks deserve proper attention.  A professional drywall repair includes:

  • Assessing the cause of the crack

  • Reinforcing joints and seams

  • Matching texture and paint for a seamless finish

As a trusted repair professional serving Gilbert and Chandler Arizona, I specialize in drywall repairs that last - whether it’s a quick patch or a deeper fix required.

Ready to get that drywall crack repaired?  It’s time to get in touch with Epic Home Repairs.  Contact us at 480-480-3742 or service@epichomerepairs.com

Josh Berryman
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