Cracked Drywall and Sheetrock
If you have noticed cracks in the drywall or sheetrock inside your home it is possible that you also have interior foundation damage. Don't get too stressed just yet, I did say it was possible, I did not say that it was definite
While drywall cracks can be caused by problems other than foundation failure it is usually foundation movement of some sort that is the root cause.
Typically you will find cracks starting at the corners of windows that grow diagonally toward the ceiling. You may also find cracks in the ceiling. In more severe cases you may find cracks from the floor to the ceiling.
Cracks are typically found on the walls and ceilings near the perimeter of the structure. You may also notice similar cracks in interior areas. This could indicate that the foundation failure extends to those interior areas but these cracks can also be caused by failure of the foundation perimeter
This is because as an area along the perimeter settles or sinks the walls go along with it. This causes the wall to lean at the top pulling outward. This pulling action is many times what is responsible for the interior drywall cracks.
Inspecting the interior and the exterior of your home and taking elevation readings is the only way to completely diagnose what is going on. With this information it is possible to figure out the extent of the damage and the corrective measures that are necessary to correct the problem. With this information it is also possible to put together a maintenance plan to keep the foundation from failing again sometime in the future. You may want to read my article on Foundation Maintenance.
You should now have a better understanding of what is causing the cracks in your drywall. Until you address the problems that are the cause, it does not make sense to repair it because the cracks will reappear, sooner probably, than you think. While you can get an idea of the extent of the damage on your own it is probably in your best seek the assistance of a professional.
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