Why am i getting cracks in my drwall all over the house?

Question

THE HOUSE IS 50 PLUS YEARS OLD. IM NERVOUS BECAUSE THET ARE GETTING WORSE AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE LAST PERSON THAT OWNED THIS ADDRESS COVERED SOME UP. MY QUESTION IS WHAT IS THIS FROM AND WHAT SHOULD I DO TO FIX THIS. THANK IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP

Answer 1

well that's just it. They covered them and that only lasts for a short while. cracks in drywall are due to settling of the foundation or improper framing. and if you have little one that like to jump jump jump through the house that can start some smaller cracks. jump on the floors aound the cracks and if they vibrate that is your cause either stiffen the framing with blocking(big job) or repair the drywall caulk may help of they are small cracks it with stretch with the crack, worth a try. use poly seam seal or pheno seal-- acrylic latex adhesive caulk paintable

Answer 2

Sounds as though the footings or foundation are failing. You'll end up either boring down to support the footings or shoring up the floor framing, or both. Expensive. How long ago did you buy? If it is a relatively short time, and you can prove that the problems were covered up, you can go back on the Realtor and or the previous owner for not divulging previous known problems to you at the time of purchase. Best of luck to you, a home is a big investment.

Answer 3

The ground around your house is getting very dry and is shrinking. This causes the house to "settle" a bit and that changes the support structure under the foundation. Consequently, the house starts to bend and the walls crack, ceiling too.

Here' what you need to do. water the ground around the house. This will cause the ground to expand and will restore the natural support. Sometimes a soaker hose will work best. You'll have to put a couple of inches of water slowly into the entire area.

Answer 4

The most basic answer is that your house is settling, even 50+ years after it was built. If you want to be safe, contact a house inspector -- like you would if you were evaluating a new house to buy.

Every house expands and contracts with changes in temperature/season. My current house is only 10 years old and I have the same frustration: cracks here panels meet, corner beading, nail pops.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

It could be caused by many things: a nearby vibration source such as a Railroad, temperature variation or just age. One thing about home ownership is that you have to cough up money to fix things. Find a contractor to look at it and give an estimate for its repair. Should be a few grand. Good luck.

Answer 6

The house is made out of wood and wood expands and retracts. Cracks are totally normal. Just tape them and paint over it. If you get cracks along the ceiling and wall joint, use some caulk to close them. Caulk is flexible and the crack won't show anymore.

Answer 7

Your house is settling, after that long some parts of your foundation may be sinking too.

Answer 8

Your house is shifting. My guess is it hasn't rained in a while. You want a founation repair place to come out and check it. . You may just have to use a soaker hose

Answer 9

YOu need to get it inspected ASAP. You may have something serious like an uneven or cracked foundation. Good luck.

Answer 10

i am in the drywall business and the cracks are from the house settling and their is nothing you can do to stop it.but you can fix the cracks by filling it with joint compound,but you will have to eventually have to rehang and finish the problemed area.