Are all cracks in walls bad?

Author: Rebeca Murphy Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

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.

How do you tell if a crack in a wall is serious?

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.

When should I worry about cracks in walls?

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.

What is an acceptable crack in a wall?

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.

Is it safe to stay in a house with cracks?

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.

Do Cracks in Walls Mean There's Structural Damage? - Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford

Can a house collapse due to cracks?

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.

How much cracking is normal in a house?

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.

How do you know if a crack is structural?

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.

Can I just paint over cracks in 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.

Do cracks in walls always mean foundation problems?

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.

Is it normal for old houses to have cracks in the walls?

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.

Do wall cracks get worse in winter?

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.

What is a normal drywall crack?

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.

Can a house settle after 20 years?

Moreover, if everything beneath the house is fine, a tectonic shift can cause it to settle even after 20 years.

Who is responsible for settlement cracks?

Construction-related issues typically fall under the builder's responsibility, while cracks resulting from natural settlement or external factors often rest with the homeowner.

How to fix hairline cracks in walls?

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.

Are cracks in walls normal?

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.

How to fix cracked walls permanently?

How to fix cracks in walls ?
  1. Buy a joint compound that can either be premixed or 'setting-type'
  2. Cut a V-notch along the cracks you want to fix.
  3. Clean the area around the crack to remove debris or dust.
  4. Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the crack and spread it evenly.

What do non-structural cracks look like?

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.

What does a pressure crack look like?

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.

How do I know if the cracks in my house are serious?

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.

What cracks are acceptable?

A crack that's 2mm or less is generally regarded as being cosmetic and won't affect a property's structural stability or safety.

Is it safe to live in a house with cracks?

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.

Why do houses crack at night?

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.

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