Drywall Cracks

Cracks in drywall may appear to be minor cosmetic issues, so it’s easy for homeowners to overlook them and not give them a second look. 

This can lead to disaster, as drywall cracks are often red flags for foundation problems requiring expert attention. 

With nearly 15 years of experience, Ohio Basement Authority is your go-to for diagnosing and repairing foundation issues. Homeowners throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky know they can count on us for excellent customer care and reliable foundation repairs. 

By reading this page, you’ll better understand the origins of drywall cracks, how to mend them, and why you should contact Ohio Basement Authority today. 

Drywall cracks are lines or breaks in the drywall panels making up your home’s interior walls and ceilings. These usually result from foundational shifting, sinking, and settling. 

While drywall is widely used, the material itself is not very durable and easily succumbs to stress, cracking as a result. 

Signs of drywall cracks include: 

• Diagonal lines stretching from corners of doors or windows towards the ceiling 
• Cracks above windows and doors 
• Long horizontal or vertical lines along walls and ceilings 
• Complex web-like cracks on walls and ceilings 
• Accompanying drywall nail pops 

Even minor cracks can be a warning of foundation issues. The larger the cracks, the higher the likelihood of significant foundation damage. 

There are several sources of drywall cracks. Some of the most common causes include: 

• Settling and Soil Movement: Homes naturally settle due to soil compression. However, excessive or irregular settling due to expansive soil or soil erosion can lead to cracks in the foundation and the drywall. 
• Structural Issues: Foundation problems like sinking footings or cracked slabs also lead to drywall cracking. 
• Renovations: Adding weight, like constructing an addition or installing heavy flooring, can destabilize foundations. 
• Water Damage: Leaks from plumbing, gutters, and other sources can erode soil and weaken foundations. 
• Inferior Materials: Drywall can sometimes be cheaply constructed or made with inappropriate materials. 

Because your walls can’t talk, drywall cracks mean your home is letting you know something is wrong. Brushing off these signs jeopardizes the structural integrity of your home. 

Our experts at Ohio Basement Authority offer personalized solutions using proven repair techniques, such as: 

• Foundation Piers: Steel foundation piers (helical, push, or slab) are driven deep into the ground for stable support. 
• Moisture Management: Basement waterproofing systems, including interior drainage and sump pumps, are installed to control the amount of moisture in and around your home. 
• Crawl Space Encapsulation: We control moisture with waterproofing and encapsulation with a vapor barrier if your home has a crawl space rather than a basement. 
• Crawl Space Stabilization: Sagging floors and crawl space floor joists are permanently reinforced and can be lifted with crawl space support jacks. 

Our treatments stabilize foundations, preventing the return of drywall cracks. We also offer robust warranties on our products.