Luckily, most cracks are completely normal in all sorts of houses, even new builds, and are simply a sign that the house is settling. Other causes of cracks include change in temperature or humidity levels and vibrations from traffic if you live near a busy or fast road.
For example, a wall crack that goes across the ceiling and then down the wall. This is a sure sign of serious structural damage. Any horizontal wall crack that runs the length of a wall. If the wall is also bowed, it's even more serious.
The size and location of wall cracks are key factors to consider. Large cracks wider than 5 millimeters are a cause for concern, especially if they are diagonal, horizontal or above a door frame. These cracks could indicate foundation movement, stress on structural supports or settling issues.
Negligible: Hairline cracks under 1mm wide can be easily dealt with by redecorating. Slight: 1-5mm wide cracks can be rectified with interior filler or external repointing. Moderate: 5-15mm wide cracks may need professional building work.
Crack Width: Typically, wider cracks are indicative of more severe foundation issues. They may suggest notable movement in the foundation, potentially threatening the structural integrity of the building. Hairline cracks, while not immediately alarming, should also be monitored as they may widen over time.
Cracked or crumbling concrete
While you may not pay too much attention to concrete, this not-so-exciting material can reveal major signs of damage that can lead to a house collapsing.
A 1/16-inch crack is quite common when a home starts to settle. These hairline cracks should be vertical and should be between 2-6 inches in length. Having horizontal and diagonal cracks of any size will indicate that you have more than just the “normal” settling.
Structural foundation cracks are generally larger than 3mm and come in different shapes and sizes. One end of the crack may be wider than the other. The concrete on either side of the crack may be flush, or it could be uneven. A typical structural crack pattern is a stair-step crack in brick or cinder block walls.
In short, yes you can paint over cracked paint, but it isn't as simple as one may assume. Whilst, you can simply paint over it with a coat of fresh paint, that isn't a guarantee the cracking won't return.
Some foundation cracks are normal and may not require action. Cracks in a home's foundation are a typical sign of an underlying structural problem. But not all foundation cracks are an issue to be concerned about. A cracked foundation warrants an inspection when combined with other symptoms.
Common Causes of Cracks
As a result, minor cracks may appear in the house's walls, floors, or ceilings. While these cracks may be concerning, they are typically a normal part of the aging process for homes.
One reason is because of the change in temperature. When it's cold outside, the drywall contracts, and when it's warm outside, the drywall expands. This can cause the drywall to crack along the seams. Another reason is because of the moisture in the air.
This is likely due to what we call “settling” in the industry. No matter the age of your home or structure, movement and shifting over time is fairly normal. These cracks tend to occur in the weakest part of the wall. As mentioned before, cracks around door frames and windows are the most common.
Moreover, if everything beneath the house is fine, a tectonic shift can cause it to settle even after 20 years.
Construction-related issues typically fall under the builder's responsibility, while cracks resulting from natural settlement or external factors often rest with the homeowner.
To fix a hairline crack, use a hairline crack filler. Apply the filler with a paint scraper or putty knife and make sure it covers the whole crack. Allow the filler to dry. Apply a second layer as indicated by the manufacturer.
Luckily, most cracks are completely normal in all sorts of houses, even new builds, and are simply a sign that the house is settling. Other causes of cracks include change in temperature or humidity levels and vibrations from traffic if you live near a busy or fast road.
Non-structural cracks are usually minor and do not pose a risk to the building's stability. These cracks are typically less than 1/8 inch wide and are often caused by concrete shrinkage during the curing process or minor settlement of the building over time.
Impact crack — cracks in a starburst pattern that radiates from a central point. Hitting a window with a baseball or golf ball could result in an impact crack. Pressure crack — cracks in a pattern similar to the curve of an hourglass.
If you have hairline cracks, no action is needed, but don't ignore them. Monitor them and take action if changes occur. If you have a single crack greater than 5mm OR if you have several cracks each greater than 3mm, then you have a potential serious situation on your hand.
A crack that's 2mm or less is generally regarded as being cosmetic and won't affect a property's structural stability or safety.
Structural cracks threaten the integrity of your home and can eventually lead to foundation failure, making your home unsafe. Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, will not compromise the safety of your home, although they can pose a risk for leaks and future foundation problems if left unattended.
As temperature and humidity fluctuate, structures expand and contract at different rates, causing them to move against each other. This shifting and easing can cause groaning or creaking.