What do cracks in the wall mean?

Question

I noticed when I moved into this apartment (2004),that there were cracks in the wall.But recently they have become more apparent. They are mostly on the walls but there are a few on the ceiling as well.I have also noticed that they must have been patched up as I see marks where plaster has been applied that I did not notice when I moved in.
I am more concerned with the safety aspect(like is the building going to come tumbling down and we are all gonna die),more than I am about the aesthetic.Has anyone come across something like this?

Answer 1

Here's an answer directly from a website;
Regardless of their construction, walls crack because they are overloaded or because the structure has settled or heaved. Vertical and angled cracks are usually caused by settlement or heaving. Horizontal cracks are more likely to be load induced or caused by side pressure.

The website is:http://www.allbay.com/wallcracks.htm

Answer 2

There is settling and then there is wood support failing. Wall and ceiling cracks indicate a weakening structure......some of the wood supports somewhere are sagging at least. Fortunately buildings adjust to a sagging member by redistributing the load. It takes multiple failures before there's reason to suspect the building failure.

We as silly humans don't help by overloading floors, redecorating adding more weight thru kitchens, removing columns and walls, etc.

I will admit, I hate cracks too, but I keep telling myself, until I can shove a pencil into the cracks, I'm not going to get upset.

Answer 3

Cracks in buildings mean differential settlement in the foundation due to a poor preparation. You can use cement mortar mix of ratio 1:2 and close up the cracks. If they reappear then inform the management and if the cracks are more pronouncing then move out for them to do proper maintenance.

Answer 4

newer houses will have some settling cracks but it is probably because the Plaster used on the walls it getting old.
tell the Landlord to fix it

Answer 5

If the cracks are horizontally they may not be a serious danger
But if they are vertical and long, dint be late to ask for an
Immediate test.

Answer 6

it just means that the building is settling. dont worry. just patch the holes and call management if the show up again.