Cracks in walls around windows: When you should worry

“Are cracks in plaster walls normal?”

To answer your question, yes. And no. See, cracks in walls around your windows have a wide range of causes, some of which are minor while others point to significant structural damage. Before getting worked up over the potential cost of your plaster wall cracks, you needtodetermine the root cause.

You might need to call in the professionals to take a look at all your cracks in walls around windows and doors, as they’llbe able to accurately evaluate your problem and devise a solution. For this very reason, Helitech Waterproofing & Foundation Repair offers free consultations and estimates.

One of our experienced team members will do a quick walkthrough of your home, determine the cause of your wall cracking and give you a price for the repairs. Ifit’s nothing to worry about, we’ll let you know. If your wall cracking is due to serious foundation damage, you’ll have the peace of mind that it’ll get fixed right the first time by a team of professionals.

So give us a call for an obligation-free estimate.

Cracks in walls: Repairs and causes

Wall cracking happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is nothing to worry about. Other times, it points to serious foundation damage.

Here are several interior wall crack types, and what they mean:

1. Non-structural settlement cracks
   Plaster wall cracks that appear in the upper corners around your crown molding, as long as they are small and don’t grow or change, are usually nothing to worry about. It’s the same with small vertical cracks.All foundations settle to some extent as the weight of your home puts pressure on the soil below. This shift puts some pressure on load-bearing walls, manifesting in minor settlement cracks which appear at weak spots along your walls—such as around windows, doors and upper corners. Usually, these cracks will run diagonally from the corner of a door or window jamb, or appear in a web-like pattern.

   Once the initial settlement is over, those cracks should remain dormant. If, however, you notice them growing in width, then it could be a sign of active structural shift, which can lead to serious foundation problems and structural damage.

2. Serious structural cracking
   Horizontal cracks mean trouble, especially when coupled with bowing walls. Horizontal cracking can indicate a lateral shift in the wall, due to excess pressure placed on your foundation from the surrounding soil. Or, it can indicate a buildup of hydrostatic pressure. Or active structural shift.The point is, if you notice a horizontal crack it is absolutely time to contact the professionals.

When you’re unsure about the cause of your wall cracking, it’s a good idea to have an expert take a glance. If this sounds like your situation, schedule a free consultation with us today.