You fix one crack in your wall, and lo, there is another within a few weeks. Isn’t it annoying? It’s like your house plays a game of spotting a crack and never gets tired of it. But why do cracks keep appearing in your house? Is it just settling or something more significant?
Before you make a fuss and imagine your home completely destroyed, take a look into what really causes those pesky cracks and what you can do to prevent them.
The Usual Suspects: Why Cracks Keep Coming Back
Cracks don’t just appear out of thin air. Something is causing them. Let’s dig into the most common culprits.
1. Your House Is Settling (And That’s Normal!)
Ever notice how an old bookcase leans slightly more each year? That’s because buildings, just like furniture, settle over time.
When a house is newly constructed, the soil underneath it adjusts with weight. This process, known as settling, may create little cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. More often than not, these are harmless and can easily be covered.
If, however, the cracks keep increasing in size or other ones appear, it means an alarm should be raised. It could signify that the foundation is shifting more than usual.
2. The Weather Is Playing Tricks on Your Home
Mother Nature isn’t always kind to our homes. Temperature swings, humidity, and even seasonal changes can cause materials in your home to expand and contract.
- Hot summers? The heat makes materials expand.
- Cold winters? Everything contracts again.
- Too much rain? The soil around your home swells.
- Too little rain? The soil shrinks and pulls away from the foundation.
All this movement can lead to cracks. If you live in an area with extreme temperature changes, don’t be surprised if cracks appear more often.
3. Your Foundation Might Be Moving
If the cracks in your home seem to be growing wider, or you notice doors and windows sticking, you might have a foundation problem.
Common signs of foundation movement include:
- Wide, jagged cracks running through walls or ceilings
- Doors that won’t close properly
- Floors that feel uneven
If you suspect foundation issues, call in a pro. The sooner you address it, the better.
4. Poor Construction or Low-Quality Materials
There is variety in homes, so not all houses have been constructed alike. If shortcuts have been taken when constructing the use of low-quality drywall or the absence of specific reinforcement procedures at the site, then cracks will be seen within a short time.
Common signs of poor construction include:
- Cracks appear within the first year of living in a new home
- Uneven surfaces or gaps where walls meet ceilings
- Frequent cracking despite patching
If this sounds like your home, you might need professional repairs to reinforce the weak spots.
5. Water Damage: The Silent Culprit
Water is great for plants, but it’s not so great for your walls. If moisture gets into your walls from a leak, heavy rain, or poor drainage, it can weaken the structure and cause cracks.
Look out for:
- Dark stains or bubbling paint near cracks
- Musty smells
- A damp feeling in certain rooms
Fixing the water issue first is key—otherwise, you’ll just keep patching cracks that will come back.
What Can You Do to Prevent Cracks?
Nobody wants to play the endless game of repairing wall cracks. Here’s what you can do to keep them from coming back.
- Keep an Eye on Your Foundation
- Control Moisture Around Your Home
- Use Flexible Paint and Sealants
- Reinforce Walls When Renovating
- Get Professional Help When Needed
Conclusion
So, why do cracks keep appearing in my house? It may be natural settling, expansion, and contraction due to weather or even foundation problems. The important aspect, however, is to note their size and pattern. Small hairline cracks? Probably nothing to be worried about. Large, spreading cracks? Time to call an expert like Alberta Pargin for timely repairs and affordable services.
