Understanding the Severity of Wall Cracks
Doing an immediate examination and knowing whether these cracks are mild or severe could potentially help you thwart future major expenses or even dangerous situations for yourself and your family.
Cracks that you see on your walls aren’t just a cosmetic nuisance, they could be lines pointing directly to a much larger problem. Many of these unsightly damages can be repaired with drywall putty and fresh paint, but before you cover the damage it’s important to know where the cracks came from. To diagnose the problem, you must first thoroughly examine the characteristics of the crack, including the length, direction, and location. Doing an immediate examination and knowing whether these cracks are mild or severe could potentially help you thwart future major expenses or even dangerous situations for yourself and your family.
Types of Wall Cracks
The first step is determining what type of wall crack you see. Vertical cracks typically don’t pose a threat as they run in the same direction as drywall. A horizontal crack, however, could be more menacing as it may be pointing toward water damage or a shift in your property’s foundation. Cracks that visually resemble a set of stairs could also be a result of soil settling in the foundation of the property. Finally, checking for nails or other visible screws near the crack. Seeing these could mean that there is a structural issue in your walls that needs attention. Having professionals assess the areas of concern is the most definitive way to determine the severity of the wall cracks.
Reasons Your Wall Has Cracks
After you’ve examined the cracks on your walls and noticed that they fit into one or more of the before-mentioned categories, it’s time to figure out why they have appeared in the first place. The first possible culprit is weather. Fluctuating temperatures often wreak havoc on the materials that homes are made of. As they heat up and cool down, porous materials will expand and shrink, causing swelling and then cracking. Another factor that you may have contributed to the cracks is the weight of your furniture and other home appliances. If the structure of your home wasn’t built to bear the load of oversized pieces, the excess weight could be responsible for those crack that you’ve noticed. Hire a professional team to come in and examine those problem areas to determine the severity of the cracks and diagnose whether you’re facing a cosmetic problem or a more potentially dangerous situation.
Ready To Fix Those Pesky Wall Cracks?
If you are ready to get a professional to install French drains in your home, contact All Aspects Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.