How to Address Cracks in Your Walls
When you see cracks on your wall, it could simply be a cosmetic problem or a more serious issue, like a structural fault. If you notice a crack on your wall, the first step is to determine which type of crack it is. Delaying for too long could cost you more in repair expenses down the line, or in the case of structural issues, it could easily cost you the house.
Most cracks resulting from structural damage are often long and large –typically more than 1.5 inches wide. Additionally, if you’re having trouble repairing the crack after multiple attempts or notice a slight difficulty with closing doors and windows, it just might be a sign that things have shifted, interpretation –structural problem. In such a case, you might want to consult a professional for advice and help.
Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, are more common but of a lesser impact on the structure of your home. This typically occurs near windows or doors for a number of reasons. Some might even simply show up as tiny hairline cracks in the paint film alone without affecting the substrate underneath.
Cause of Cracks on Walls
• Contraction and Expansion: Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause the materials that make up the wall including the plaster and paint to expand and contract. This is a common problem for rooms that are usually erratically air-conditioned and occasionally face the afternoon sun. The expansion and contraction movement often causes hairline cracks in paints and walls.
• Improper Plasterwork: This is probably one of the most common causes of hairline cracks in the paint. If you don’t allow the plasterwork to dry completely before painting, cracks may show up. Additionally, if you just pressure washed your wall, allow it to completely dry before painting.
• Low-quality Paint: Low-quality paints usually result in poor paint adhesion and overall low-quality paint job. In many cases, this also leads to paint cracking with tiny lines that usually don’t run deep. To avoid this, use quality paints and keep your paints consistent.
• Too Much Moisture: Water is the largest cause of all foundational issues. When water leaks into your home, it can cause structural materials to swell, rot, and weaken. This can cause the walls to crack, crumble, and even onset the growth of mold.
• Poor Drywall Installation: This is the most common cause of drywall cracks. During installation, the seams between drywall sheets should be properly taped, sealed and smoothed. Failure to do that often leads to cracks on the drywall.
• Poor Paint Job: Other than using a poor quality paint, rushing through the paint job without proper surface preparation, missing out important steps, and not allowing one coat to dry completely before adding another one, are just some of the reasons you will experience hairline cracks after painting.
How To Fix Tiny/Hairline Cracks
As earlier mentioned, deeper, longer cracks on the wall should be addressed by a qualified and experienced professional who can advise on a permanent solution. However, if you notice a hairline crack, don’t panic. First, open up the crack to create a little deeper crack using a flat screwdriver, utility knife or scrapper. This allows you to clean out loose concrete, debris, old filler or paint –you can use a vacuum, cloth or dry brush.
Next, fill the crack with filling solution/joint compound, making sure that the filler covers the whole crack. Using the scrapper, even out the filling and allow it dry before sanding off the surface to a smooth finish. Apply paint.
Closing Thoughts
If you can’t grasp everything else, just remember that longer, deeper cracks in the wall mean huge trouble and you need to consult a professional immediately. However, if you have extensive hairline cracks and don’t have the skills, tools and time to go DIY, hiring a painting contractor like The Paint & Wallcovering Company can help save you money, time and frustrations.