Does Foundation Settling Cause Drywall Cracks?

Over time, foundation settling does cause drywall cracks. Houses of all ages are likely to show signs of cracks in walls, ceilings, floors and other areas. Some gaps in sheetrock are a lot more serious than others. Depending upon the extent of the issue, foundation repair may be required.

When To Be Concerned About Foundation Settling Causing Drywall Cracks

If the gaps are over 3/16” (roughly the thickness of a nickel), you may want to have professional evaluate your foundation. Before you do anything, take time to inspect the gaps and determine if they’re simply hairline cracks, or something far more serious. Keep in mind that tiny fissures in sheetrock are normal and not cause for concern. Even new houses settle within the first 1-3 months or years, and it’s common for hairline cracks to suddenly appear. If the small fractures come and go (you see them one month, but not the next), there is probably nothing to be worried about. That could be caused by light fluctuations in temperature or seasonal rainfall. It’s a good idea to find out all about sheetrock cracks in walls and foundation damage. By addressing problems early, you can avoid a lot of headaches later on.

What to Do About Large Drywall Settling Cracks

When sheetrock cracks keep growing larger, or when you notice gaps around the windows (and your doors don’t open and shut correctly), your house may be experiencing significant settling. Also, if you discover that one wall seems higher than another, that’s another sign that you may have foundation issues. If that is the case, a foundation repair contractor or structural engineer should be enlisted to examine your home. They can determine if your foundation would benefit from the installation of foundation piers. The purpose of the piers is to provide structural support and stabilize your foundation. Installing foundation piers will stop significant foundation movement and protect your home from structural damage. If the issue is affecting only one corner of your house, you may need as few as 3-4 foundation piers to correct the problem. Or, if there are substantial cracks all throughout the home, it’s possible that more than 20 or 30 piers should be installed. The only way to determine exactly what should be done and how many piers are needed is to contact a qualified professional.

If you’ve noticed sizeable fractures in your sheetrock and think your house may require foundation repair, contact HD Foundations. Our company services the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex.

Updated February 20th, 2023