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  1. Cracks in Walls? Here's Exactly How Concerned You ...

    • Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack. A wall is constructed with vertical studs that extend from floor to ceiling. The studs must be c… See more

    Leaving A House Vacant Can Cause Wall Cracks.

    Vacation homesand those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings. This is due to the house not being climate controlled a… See more

    Bob Vila
    A Thin Straight Crack Could Be The Result of Faulty Taping.

    When drywall panels are installed, the seams between the panels are filled with drywall mud and covered with paper tape. If the tape doesn’t have enough mud underneat… See more

    Bob Vila
    Discoloration Around The Edges of The Crack Indicates A leak.

    Water leaking from a window or the roof, or even a leaky attic water line, can run down inside a wall’s framing and saturate the drywall, which then softens and deteriorate… See more

    Bob Vila
    Large, Jagged, Or Diagonal Cracks Could Indicate A Structural problem.

    Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood mem… See more

    Bob Vila
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  1. A diagonal crack that appears in the wall, which can be wider at the top and tighter at the bottom, is usually caused by the foundation settling. A crack that runs at a jagged 45-degree angle is almost always a shear crack. Some cracks start at the top of the concrete basement wall and move diagonally down to a corner.
    www.angi.com/articles/how-tell-if-crack-wall-seriou…
    Diagonal cracks occur primarily due to relative rotation of masonry units or blocks and without any external load action. Diagonal failure is the most common form of failure in boundary walls. Hence, the primary prevention method to avoid the diagonal cracking is to avoid relative rotation or deflection.
    engineeringcivil.org/articles/structural-engineering/…
    In case you didn’t pick up on it in the last section, diagonal wall cracks mean your home is settling. More specifically, your home is experiencing foundation settlement. Diagonal wall cracks are the single most reliable indicator of foundation settlement. This is true for both slab-on-grade foundations and pier and beam/crawl space foundations.
    anchorfoundationrepair.net/blog/diagonal-wall-crac…
    Large, jagged, or diagonal cracks could indicate a structural problem. Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood members due to termite damage.
    www.bobvila.com/articles/cracks-in-walls/
    Diagonal cracks which emanate from the corners or windows, openings, or other changes in the shape of a wall (or slab) are called reentrant cracks and are a form of shrinkage crack. Temperature and shrinkage cracks in foundations may appear within days to several years after the home is occupied.
    civildigital.com/diagonal-cracks-foundation-walls/
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  3. What causes cracks in walls: 13 reasons and when you ...

  4. What Do Diagonal Wall Cracks Mean and What Can I …

    Mar 2, 2023 · Diagonal wall cracks are the most reliable indicator of foundation settlement, which is caused by expansive clay soils or other factors. Learn what to do about diagonal wall cracks, from ignoring them to …

  5. What Causes Cracks In Walls: 13 Reasons And When …

    Mar 25, 2024 · Signs of foundation settlement can include cracks that appear diagonally or stair-step patterns along the walls, especially near the corners of the building. Additionally, you may notice sticking doors or windows, sloping …

  6. When You Shouldn't Ignore the Cracks in the Wall

  7. Cracked Walls 101: Types, Causes, and Fixes - Epp …

    Diagonal Cracks – These cracks typically run at about a 45-degree angle across the wall. They often start from corners, window frames, and door frames. Diagonal cracks almost always signal foundation damage. Stair-Step Cracks …

  8. How To Determine If The Cracks In Walls Are Serious

    Aug 23, 2018 · Vertical and diagonal cracks in concrete walls typically indicate foundation movement. If a vertical crack widens at the top or bottom, the wall is either settling or gradually heaving, which may present serious issues. Stair …

  9. How can I tell if a diagonal crack in drywall at the …

    Jun 27, 2018 · Diagonal cracks in drywall at window or door corners can indicate structural movement or problems. Learn how to identify tension or compression cracks, and what to look for nearby to assess the severity and …

  10. Understanding Basement Foundation Wall Cracks

    Oct 8, 2024 · Diagonal cracks can appear at various angles and may be more challenging to diagnose. Their implications often depend on the direction and width of the crack. Causes : Diagonal cracks typically form due to differential …