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

However, horizontal cracks or cracks that extend at irregular angles can be a sign of something more serious, such as that the foundation of the house is moving or even that the water has suffered undetected damage. As a general rule, it's a good idea to have a professional check any crack that extends at an angle of 45 degrees or less. To determine the severity of a crack in a wall, it is best to examine the shape of the crack and the direction in which it runs in the wall. If the crack is vertical and starts near the vertex where the wall and ceiling meet, it could be a sign that it was created when the foundation was laid after construction.

Vertical cracks run in the same direction as drywall, which generally makes them less severe. If the crack is horizontal or extends at an irregular 45-degree angle, it could mean that there is a more serious problem, such as a serious foundation change or water damage. Cracks with imperfections on the surface can often be repaired with drywall putty, sanding tools and a new coat of paint. More serious fissures usually require the help of a professional to determine the exact cause and may include some reconstruction to prevent further damage.

According to Almost Home, the cracks in the steps of the walls of cinder block foundations that are usually found in unfinished basements are the result of soil being deposited below the center of the wall. Houses usually settle for the first few months and even years after construction, so small cracks in the walls are likely to occur. However, cracks along the joints that connect the upper floor ceilings and the dividing walls could be a sign of problems with the roof reinforcement, which could end up with walls peeling off the ceilings. Study the area of the wall surrounding the crack and look for nail heads or screws that can be seen on the wall surface.

A damaged wall is considered serious when it is 25 millimeters or larger (2.5 centimeters or one inch), as it could be a sign of structural damage, subsidence (the sudden collapse of a house and its foundation), or something else. Houses of any age move and change subtly over time, and the weakest part of a wall is the most likely to break.