Cracks in ceilings may be cosmetic or they can be a structural 'red flag'. The difference depends on the shape, size, location, and the cause of the cracks.
'Cracks that cause concern are those which run across the length of a ceiling and then continue down a wall along the same line,' writes Tim Anderson of SF Gate Home Guides. This is a sign of structural damage, usually related to a weak wall stud or perhaps something that was jarred loose in an earthquake or the settling of the home over.
Often we don't even realize there are cracks and when we do notice them, we don't know how old they are; did they just happen, or have they been there for years? Once the cracks are noticed, then it's a good idea to do a little investigation into them. It is not uncommon for homes to get a crack or two in their ceilings over time, therefore older homes will generally have more ceiling cracks.
New homes will often develop a few cracks in the first year or two, but most of them will be at door and window corners or at the areas where the walls meet the ceilings, rather than on the ceiling itself. One of the common reasons for this is that many homes will settle a little in the first year or two. Also, the wood framing lumber usually drys out some which causes the studs, joists, and rafters to twist or bow slightly. Major track builders know that they will get a number of calls about these cracks in the first year or two and just consider it part of the construction business.
- Drywall cracks occur along the seams more often than any other region. Because the seam is a region where two walls meet, it's bound to happen. This type of cracks is caused by a range of stress factors including wide temperature fluctuations (when you abandon or heat your home irregularly in the winter) and undue pressure in the joints.
- The least expensive method of repairing the crack involves re-taping the horizontal seam where the wall meets the ceiling. Before applying a new drywall corner bead.
- Learning more about ceiling cracks and what they mean about your foundation is important to finding solutions that work. Learning More About Ceiling Cracks. Fine, Straight Crack: These cracks can be caused when a drywall joint wasn't properly taped or mudded. The tape may not be sticking to the drywall and so a 'crack' appears where the.
Hairline and spiderweb type of cracks
Hairline type of spiderweb cracks due to paint issues
When repeated coats of paint are applied over other coats, then over a period of years, the chances of crazing (a pattern or network of hairline/ fine cracks) or alligatoring (a pattern similar to the reptiles scaly skin) cracking increases.
The layer(s) under the topcoat get brittle over time and expand and contract due to thermal and moisture changes differently than the more flexible topcoat. These lower coats tend to crack first and then the cracks work their way up to the topcoat, thus patterns of thin cracks develop in the topcoat of the paint.
Spiderweb or hairline type cracks due to drywall mud issues
At drywall joints where two pieces of drywall butt up to one another, drywall installers tape the joint areas. Drywall tape is used as well as drywall joint compound, often called drywall 'mud'. If the drywall joint compound is put on in one or more coats that are too thick then when the mud dries, it shrinks, creating hairline spider or crazing type cracks. When too much water is added in order to thin the mud prior to application, small hairline cracks may also occur. These types of cracks are merely the result of poor workmanship.
Straight cracks at taping joints
Cracks that appear at the side of drywall joint tape are usually caused by improper mud application during the installation. When the drywaller taped the joint they did not use enough mud and this can result in shrinkage cracks along the tape lines.
Usually, the crack will be very straight because it is following the straight edge of the tape at a drywall joint. This is insignificant for structural concerns and is instead evidence of poor workmanship.
Cracks on a sagging or bowed ceiling
If a ceiling is bowed, sagging, or dropped down, then the reason may relate to structural issues. Common causes include:
1. Spacing of ceiling joists or trusses
If the ceiling joists or trusses supporting the ceiling drywall are spaced too far apart, then sagging may result and the stress from this may create cracks.
2. Improperly sized ceiling joist
When the ceiling joists or trusses are undersized for the drywall ceiling weight that they are carrying, then sagging may result and the stress from this may create cracks.
3. Damaged ceiling joists or trusses
Occasionally, a ceiling joist or a truss becomes damaged or cracked, this weakens the framing member and the ceiling will bow or sag in one or more areas. Thus, stress is placed on the drywall and cracks develop.
Cracks caused from a load-bearing wall being removed and not having proper supports installed
Bowed ceiling cracks may also be caused by a load-bearing wall being removed without the proper structural support being added. At times the ceiling may not be bowed, but one section has dropped down. This movement can result in cracks. Read more on load-bearing walls.
Cracks caused by truss uplift
Cracks that appear where a ceiling intersects a wall may be due to 'truss uplift'. Roof trusses tend to move a little when there is a seasonal change of temperature or humidity. These fluctuations and changes may result in the trusses moving or shifting a little. This is common and most homes are engineered to handle movement due to truss uplift.
Truss uplift cracks are normally noted on interior walls, not exterior walls. The cracks will typically appear on walls that are perpendicular to the direction that the trusses run. Generally, these cracks are not considered to be a structural concern and may even open up and close somewhat depending on the season. Read More On Truss Uplift.
A higher level of concern with ceiling cracks occurs when:
A crack is continuous through the wall and ceiling
Cracks that run across the ceiling to the wall and then down on the wall, basically a continuous crack going through the ceiling and the wall, may be a concern. This type of crack suggests that there may be a structural issue i.e. a foundation or framing issue.
Ceiling cracks running diagonally across the ceiling
A crack (of a 16th of an inch or larger) that runs at a diagonal angle through a sheet(s) of drywall requires a lot of force to create this crack. It's like the drywall is ripped apart. This type of crack generally would be considered a 'red flag', depending on width, length, and location.
Wide cracks and areas that have a number of cracks
Ceilings that have multiple cracks that are more than just a small hairline crack are a concern. Cracks that are 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch wide or more would easily fall into this category. A crack that is 1/8 inch wide and only two feet long in a corner will not be given as much weight as a ceiling with 1/4 inch wide cracks, three or five feet long and that appear in a number of locations.
Ceiling cracks become more of a 'red flag' if there are other signs that the house may have movement or structural problems
When ceiling cracks become a concern you should look for other factors that indicate possible structural issues to determine the severity and importance of the ceiling cracks.
Signs of possible structural issues include:
- Cracked foundation or slab (Read more)
- Sloping or sagging floors
- Doors and windows that stick or won't open
- Sagging roof
Cracks may also be caused by:
- Small earthquake tremors
- Settling of the home
- Soil movement from slope creep or landslides
- Sinkhole issues
Bottom Line
Ceiling cracks are common and usually not a major concern. The older the home, the more likely for cracks to appear. Most contractors and homeowners will view cracks as a maintenance or cosmetic issue. Occasionally ceiling cracks can be a 'yellow' or 'red' flag that there is a serious or structural issue, therefore it is good to be able to recognize warning signs that a problem may exist.
If you are unsure if there is a problem or if a ceiling crack is serious, a home owner or buyer may wish to consult with an appropriately qualified professional. This may be a framing, drywall, or general contractor. A structural engineer likewise may be helpful in providing meaningful information.
- You may only need preventive maintenance
- If very minor, then you may just need to monitor it for changes
- If repair is needed, it is much cheaper to correct it in the early stages than after it has become a big problem
- Should it be major, then you may need to consult a qualified professional
Take a minute and review our page with other common structural issues in homes
Articles and Resources On Common Structural Issues In Homes
Additional Resources
Cracks develop in wall and ceiling areas. What are they a sign of and what can be done?
Contractors will tell you that concrete cracks; well likewise, stucco tends to crack. There are several things...
If a load bearing wall is removed, there are structural issues and risks that homeowners and buyers should be aware of.
Settlement may cause damage to a house, but some settlement can be prevented or reduced.
Floor creaking may be related to the installation of the floor or to the homes foundation settling. Other reasons include...
If your foundation has a crack or cracks know what to look for to determine if they are major or minor.
Sloping floors are often one of the warning signs that structural engineers look for when analyzing a house.
Doors that self close or open is usually not due to a ghost. First check if floor is level.
Can you name the type of foundation that you have?
Why Is My Ceiling Cracking
Find out what's causing those unsightly squiggly lines that have marred your paint job—and learn how to remedy the situation.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q: I recently noticed a few cracks in our living room wall. I'm not sure if they've been there for a while and I just missed them, or if they're new. Are cracks in the walls easy-fix cosmetic problems—or signs of a structural issue that will need extensive repairs?
A: Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house 'settling' that can quickly, inexpensively be remedied by re-taping the joints—the seams where the drywall panels meet. Occasionally, however, cracks in walls signify a larger problem that should be addressed before you attempt to repair the crack. Here's how to determine if the crack is flagging a serious problem, and what steps to take to get your wall back in shape.
RELATED: 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to make Wall Repair a Cinch
Causes of Cracks in Walls
If your home was recently built, cracks in walls could be the results of 'new home' settling.
New lumber, sometimes called 'green lumber,' contains a high level of moisture and tends to move slightly as it dries out, so small wall cracks are common in newly built homes. It's a good idea to wait a year after your home was completed before repairing any cracks. This gives the wood time to dry completely. After that, you can re-tape the cracked joints (see the last section below for how-to info) without worrying that more will appear.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Hairline cracks over doors and windows are likely due to settling.
Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack. A wall is constructed with vertical studs that extend from floor to ceiling. The studs must be cut, however, in order to install a door or a window. While the builder adds extra framing to the adjacent studs, these areas are still weaker than the rest of the wall, and when settling occurs, these spots are the first to develop cracks. Hairline cracks across walls and doorways do not indicate a structural problem; they should simply be re-taped and painted.
Often we don't even realize there are cracks and when we do notice them, we don't know how old they are; did they just happen, or have they been there for years? Once the cracks are noticed, then it's a good idea to do a little investigation into them. It is not uncommon for homes to get a crack or two in their ceilings over time, therefore older homes will generally have more ceiling cracks.
New homes will often develop a few cracks in the first year or two, but most of them will be at door and window corners or at the areas where the walls meet the ceilings, rather than on the ceiling itself. One of the common reasons for this is that many homes will settle a little in the first year or two. Also, the wood framing lumber usually drys out some which causes the studs, joists, and rafters to twist or bow slightly. Major track builders know that they will get a number of calls about these cracks in the first year or two and just consider it part of the construction business.
- Drywall cracks occur along the seams more often than any other region. Because the seam is a region where two walls meet, it's bound to happen. This type of cracks is caused by a range of stress factors including wide temperature fluctuations (when you abandon or heat your home irregularly in the winter) and undue pressure in the joints.
- The least expensive method of repairing the crack involves re-taping the horizontal seam where the wall meets the ceiling. Before applying a new drywall corner bead.
- Learning more about ceiling cracks and what they mean about your foundation is important to finding solutions that work. Learning More About Ceiling Cracks. Fine, Straight Crack: These cracks can be caused when a drywall joint wasn't properly taped or mudded. The tape may not be sticking to the drywall and so a 'crack' appears where the.
Hairline and spiderweb type of cracks
Hairline type of spiderweb cracks due to paint issues
When repeated coats of paint are applied over other coats, then over a period of years, the chances of crazing (a pattern or network of hairline/ fine cracks) or alligatoring (a pattern similar to the reptiles scaly skin) cracking increases.
The layer(s) under the topcoat get brittle over time and expand and contract due to thermal and moisture changes differently than the more flexible topcoat. These lower coats tend to crack first and then the cracks work their way up to the topcoat, thus patterns of thin cracks develop in the topcoat of the paint.
Spiderweb or hairline type cracks due to drywall mud issues
At drywall joints where two pieces of drywall butt up to one another, drywall installers tape the joint areas. Drywall tape is used as well as drywall joint compound, often called drywall 'mud'. If the drywall joint compound is put on in one or more coats that are too thick then when the mud dries, it shrinks, creating hairline spider or crazing type cracks. When too much water is added in order to thin the mud prior to application, small hairline cracks may also occur. These types of cracks are merely the result of poor workmanship.
Straight cracks at taping joints
Cracks that appear at the side of drywall joint tape are usually caused by improper mud application during the installation. When the drywaller taped the joint they did not use enough mud and this can result in shrinkage cracks along the tape lines.
Usually, the crack will be very straight because it is following the straight edge of the tape at a drywall joint. This is insignificant for structural concerns and is instead evidence of poor workmanship.
Cracks on a sagging or bowed ceiling
If a ceiling is bowed, sagging, or dropped down, then the reason may relate to structural issues. Common causes include:
1. Spacing of ceiling joists or trusses
If the ceiling joists or trusses supporting the ceiling drywall are spaced too far apart, then sagging may result and the stress from this may create cracks.
2. Improperly sized ceiling joist
When the ceiling joists or trusses are undersized for the drywall ceiling weight that they are carrying, then sagging may result and the stress from this may create cracks.
3. Damaged ceiling joists or trusses
Occasionally, a ceiling joist or a truss becomes damaged or cracked, this weakens the framing member and the ceiling will bow or sag in one or more areas. Thus, stress is placed on the drywall and cracks develop.
Cracks caused from a load-bearing wall being removed and not having proper supports installed
Bowed ceiling cracks may also be caused by a load-bearing wall being removed without the proper structural support being added. At times the ceiling may not be bowed, but one section has dropped down. This movement can result in cracks. Read more on load-bearing walls.
Cracks caused by truss uplift
Cracks that appear where a ceiling intersects a wall may be due to 'truss uplift'. Roof trusses tend to move a little when there is a seasonal change of temperature or humidity. These fluctuations and changes may result in the trusses moving or shifting a little. This is common and most homes are engineered to handle movement due to truss uplift.
Truss uplift cracks are normally noted on interior walls, not exterior walls. The cracks will typically appear on walls that are perpendicular to the direction that the trusses run. Generally, these cracks are not considered to be a structural concern and may even open up and close somewhat depending on the season. Read More On Truss Uplift.
A higher level of concern with ceiling cracks occurs when:
A crack is continuous through the wall and ceiling
Cracks that run across the ceiling to the wall and then down on the wall, basically a continuous crack going through the ceiling and the wall, may be a concern. This type of crack suggests that there may be a structural issue i.e. a foundation or framing issue.
Ceiling cracks running diagonally across the ceiling
A crack (of a 16th of an inch or larger) that runs at a diagonal angle through a sheet(s) of drywall requires a lot of force to create this crack. It's like the drywall is ripped apart. This type of crack generally would be considered a 'red flag', depending on width, length, and location.
Wide cracks and areas that have a number of cracks
Ceilings that have multiple cracks that are more than just a small hairline crack are a concern. Cracks that are 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch wide or more would easily fall into this category. A crack that is 1/8 inch wide and only two feet long in a corner will not be given as much weight as a ceiling with 1/4 inch wide cracks, three or five feet long and that appear in a number of locations.
Ceiling cracks become more of a 'red flag' if there are other signs that the house may have movement or structural problems
When ceiling cracks become a concern you should look for other factors that indicate possible structural issues to determine the severity and importance of the ceiling cracks.
Signs of possible structural issues include:
- Cracked foundation or slab (Read more)
- Sloping or sagging floors
- Doors and windows that stick or won't open
- Sagging roof
Cracks may also be caused by:
- Small earthquake tremors
- Settling of the home
- Soil movement from slope creep or landslides
- Sinkhole issues
Bottom Line
Ceiling cracks are common and usually not a major concern. The older the home, the more likely for cracks to appear. Most contractors and homeowners will view cracks as a maintenance or cosmetic issue. Occasionally ceiling cracks can be a 'yellow' or 'red' flag that there is a serious or structural issue, therefore it is good to be able to recognize warning signs that a problem may exist.
If you are unsure if there is a problem or if a ceiling crack is serious, a home owner or buyer may wish to consult with an appropriately qualified professional. This may be a framing, drywall, or general contractor. A structural engineer likewise may be helpful in providing meaningful information.
- You may only need preventive maintenance
- If very minor, then you may just need to monitor it for changes
- If repair is needed, it is much cheaper to correct it in the early stages than after it has become a big problem
- Should it be major, then you may need to consult a qualified professional
Take a minute and review our page with other common structural issues in homes
Articles and Resources On Common Structural Issues In Homes
Additional Resources
Cracks develop in wall and ceiling areas. What are they a sign of and what can be done?
Contractors will tell you that concrete cracks; well likewise, stucco tends to crack. There are several things...
If a load bearing wall is removed, there are structural issues and risks that homeowners and buyers should be aware of.
Settlement may cause damage to a house, but some settlement can be prevented or reduced.
Floor creaking may be related to the installation of the floor or to the homes foundation settling. Other reasons include...
If your foundation has a crack or cracks know what to look for to determine if they are major or minor.
Sloping floors are often one of the warning signs that structural engineers look for when analyzing a house.
Doors that self close or open is usually not due to a ghost. First check if floor is level.
Can you name the type of foundation that you have?
Why Is My Ceiling Cracking
Find out what's causing those unsightly squiggly lines that have marred your paint job—and learn how to remedy the situation.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q: I recently noticed a few cracks in our living room wall. I'm not sure if they've been there for a while and I just missed them, or if they're new. Are cracks in the walls easy-fix cosmetic problems—or signs of a structural issue that will need extensive repairs?
A: Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house 'settling' that can quickly, inexpensively be remedied by re-taping the joints—the seams where the drywall panels meet. Occasionally, however, cracks in walls signify a larger problem that should be addressed before you attempt to repair the crack. Here's how to determine if the crack is flagging a serious problem, and what steps to take to get your wall back in shape.
RELATED: 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to make Wall Repair a Cinch
Causes of Cracks in Walls
If your home was recently built, cracks in walls could be the results of 'new home' settling.
New lumber, sometimes called 'green lumber,' contains a high level of moisture and tends to move slightly as it dries out, so small wall cracks are common in newly built homes. It's a good idea to wait a year after your home was completed before repairing any cracks. This gives the wood time to dry completely. After that, you can re-tape the cracked joints (see the last section below for how-to info) without worrying that more will appear.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Hairline cracks over doors and windows are likely due to settling.
Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack. A wall is constructed with vertical studs that extend from floor to ceiling. The studs must be cut, however, in order to install a door or a window. While the builder adds extra framing to the adjacent studs, these areas are still weaker than the rest of the wall, and when settling occurs, these spots are the first to develop cracks. Hairline cracks across walls and doorways do not indicate a structural problem; they should simply be re-taped and painted.
Leaving a house vacant can cause wall cracks.
Crack At Ceiling Wall Joint Repair
Vacation homes and those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings. This is due to the house not being climate controlled as it would be if it were occupied. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause framing members and drywall to expand and contract, resulting in cracking. Like other wall cracks, these can be re-taped and painted.
A thin straight crack could be the result of faulty taping.
When drywall panels are installed, the seams between the panels are filled with drywall mud and covered with paper tape. If the tape doesn't have enough mud underneath to stick firmly, it can start to pull away from the wall over time. When this happens, you'll see a fine crack where the tape has lifted. If there's only one crack, try squirting a little household glue behind it and pressing it back into place. If the tape is lifting in multiple areas, however, your best bet is to re-tape all the seams because the problem will continue to recur.
Discoloration around the edges of the crack indicates a leak.
Water leaking from a window or the roof, or even a leaky attic water line, can run down inside a wall's framing and saturate the drywall, which then softens and deteriorates, creating a crack with noticeable yellow or brownish stains. If the leak is fresh, such as from a recent rain, the area might also feel damp to the touch. Before fixing the crack, which will require replacing the damaged section of drywall and then re-taping, it's important to find the source of the leak and repair it.
Large, jagged, or diagonal cracks could indicate a structural problem.
Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood members due to termite damage. Likewise, cracks wider than one-quarter inch indicate a potential problem with the home's structure. These cracks warrant bringing in a reputable builder or engineer to inspect your home's structure and pinpoint the cause. Once the structural problem is resolved, you can make drywall repairs, which involve replacing the damaged drywall panel(s) and then re-taping the joints.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Crack Ceiling Wall Joint
Repairing Cracks in Walls
The best way to repair a crack in drywall is to re-tape the joint.
This involves scraping away the loose tape and crumbled bits of drywall mud, sanding the surface smooth, and then filling the crack with drywall compound and applying new tape. The trick to getting a smooth wall is to apply two to three very thin coats of drywall compound over the paper tape, and sand each coat after it dries before applying the next coat.
Filling cracks with spackle is not recommended.
The spackle does not provide the same reinforced surface coverage you'll get by re-taping, and any slight settling will cause the crack to show up again. For long-lasting repairs, re-tape cracks rather than filling them with spackle.
Crack At Ceiling Wall Joint
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