What Causes Cracks In Walls And Ceilings Uk

Ceiling cracks generally follow the joints between drywall sheets and as long as they remain minor with widths of less than 1 8 inch you can patch them with tape and joint.

What causes cracks in walls and ceilings uk.

Leaky windows and roofs can cause moisture to get into your home s walls. Long horizontal cracks that extend along the joints where interior partition walls and upstairs ceilings connect generally signify roof truss issues which cause ceilings to detach from walls. This type of crack suggest that there may be a structural issue i e. Ceiling cracks accompanied by wall cracks could be the result of the house settling.

Homes naturally settle as they age which can create crevices in the walls and ceilings typically above doors. We explore which cracks are cause for concern. This causes the drywall to get wet soften and deteriorate which then leads to cracking. These cracks are serious and require professional attention.

Leaving a house vacant can cause wall cracks. This is due to the house not being. For example hairline cracks around windows shouldn t cause problems. Ceiling cracks that run across the ceiling to the wall and then downward on the wall.

How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious. Small cracks located above interior windows or doors are usually harmless. Cracks that cause concern are those which run across the length of a ceiling and then continue down a wall along the same line. This is a sign of structural damage usually related to a weak wall.

There s no exact method for determining how serious a wall crack is without hiring an expert to examine the wall but you might be able to. Expansion and contraction with hot and cold weather changes along with normal settling can change wall to ceiling alignment and can cause cracks in both these areas. Cracks in the walls of your home could indicate serious foundation issues but that s not always the case. Vacation homes and those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings.

If the cracks in your walls are showing discoloration such as brown or yellow tinted stains then the problem may be the result of water damage to your home. Basically a continuous crack going through the ceiling and the wall. Where the crack is can also tell you how serious it is.