Sometimes cracks are critical warning signs. Sometimes they are simply cosmetic annoyances. How can homeowners tell the difference? Hannah Jennings, General Manager, Paul Davis Restoration Fairfield, and Westchester Counties, unpacks the topic in this Q&A.
Q: Where might I see cracks in my home?
HJ: Cracks may appear on ceilings, walls and even floors of a home. Improperly finished drywall joints may crack as well.
Q: Why do cracks appear?
HJ: Cracks occur for many benign reasons, including paint build-up, careless drywall installation, or normal settling that occurs over the lifetime of a home. Cracks also occur for alarming reasons, such as when a building’s foundation is damaged or when water is infiltrating and destabilizing building materials.
Q: Which cracks are unlikely to be hazardous?
HJ: Small, hairline cracks that don’t exhibit water staining are usually cosmetic flaws, not structural worries. They are very common in older homes, often occurring as temperature and humidity fluctuate or as materials shift slightly over a building’s lifetime.
Q: Which cracks could be alarming?
HJ: Troubling cracks are typically wider than 1/16 of an inch. They may increase in width and length over time. Particularly worrisome cracks can develop in:
- Floors
- Door and window corners.
- Ceilings and continue down walls, or vice versa
- Foundation walls
Pay attention to additional red flags: uneven floors, sagging ceilings and bowed walls. Doors and windows that don’t close properly warrant further investigation, as do walls that separate from ceilings and floors.
Q: What if I can’t tell which cracks are troubling?
HJ: If you have any questions at all about the cracks you see, contact a building or restoration professional to evaluate the structure right away. We are thoroughly trained in these disciplines and work with many Paul Davis Restoration customers who have experienced structural instability. Our teams are always available as a resource. Don’t delay if you are concerned. Early action is a sound strategy that helps keep your home and loved ones safe.
