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5 Reasons for Wall Crack Repair

Crack in drywall next to window frame.

Taking care of your house is important, and if wall cracks appear, repairing them should become a priority.

AquaGuard Foundation Solutions provides professional wall crack repair, making sure your house stays safe and strong. Here are five big reasons why fixing cracks in your walls is a great idea.

Major Benefits of Wall Crack Repair

1. Strengthens Your Home

Taking care of cracks in your walls right when you spot them is key to keeping your Georgia home sturdy and secure. Even small cracks can quickly grow into bigger ones, leading to more severe issues. By repairing wall cracks promptly, you prevent them from getting worse, ensuring that they don’t lead to other structural issues down the line.

2. Lowers Energy Costs

Repairing wall cracks helps keep your home cozy in the winter and cool during Georgia’s hot, humid summers. This means your air conditioning and heating systems won’t have to work overtime, saving you money on energy costs. Fixing wall cracks helps your home maintain a comfortable temperature more efficiently, cutting down on total energy use.

3. Prevents Water Damage

Wall cracks can allow water to seep into your home (especially after heavy rain or snow), risking mold growth and potentially damaging your possessions. Fixing wall cracks helps keep your home dry and safeguards your belongings from water-related damage. In general, wall crack repair is a great way to keep your home in good condition and protect your items.

4. Boosts Home Value

Repairing wall cracks not only enhances the appearance of your home but can also increase its market value. If you’re considering selling your home, addressing wall cracks (and, really, any structural damage) can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. This could lead to a quicker sale and possibly a higher selling price, as buyers prefer homes that are well-maintained and free from problems.

5. Enhances Air Quality

Sealing off cracks in your walls helps prevent dust and pollen from entering, leading to cleaner air inside your home. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies. Additionally, it stops mold from growing, contributing to a healthier living environment. Cleaner air results in a healthier space for you and your family to enjoy.

Types of Wall Cracks

Vertical crack in wall siding.
  • Hairline Cracks: These are thin and small cracks that tend to appear as a building naturally settles. While they are usually not a sign of serious damage, you should still keep an eye on them in case they get bigger.
  • Vertical Cracks: Usually caused by uneven foundation settlement, vertical cracks can end up being big problems for your home. They cause separation and can allow water to leak inside, leading to other issues in your home.
  • Horizontal Cracks: No matter where they appear, horizontal cracks show that something is disrupting the foundation. For instance, horizontal cracks in basement walls are usually caused by a buildup of water next to the home.
  • Stair-Step Cracks: Appearing in masonry joints of brick walls, stair-step cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation and may require closer inspection by a foundation expert.
  • Diagonal Cracks: These cracks can start small and widen as they move across the wall, often indicating differential settling of the foundation—when one part of the foundation moves while other parts don’t.

What Causes Wall Cracks?

Puddle of muddy water in a front yard.
  • Soil Issues: The expansion and contraction of soil due to moisture content can exert pressure on the foundation, leading to cracks. Georgia is known for its clay soil, which expands significantly after rain or snow.
  • Water Damage: Excessive water caused by flooding, poor drainage, or plumbing leaks can damage the foundation, causing it to settle or shift as water leaks below it.
  • Tree Roots: Large trees growing too close to the home can cause damage as the roots grow and put pressure on the foundation, leading to instability and cracks.
  • Construction and Material Failures: Poor construction techniques, inadequate foundation depth, or the use of substandard materials can lead to foundation issues over time.

FAQs

Typically, wall cracks are not normal. While small hairline cracks can occur when concrete cures, an easily noticeable crack is almost always cause for concern. 

A crack’s location and direction say a lot, but the only way to truly evaluate the threat of a crack is to have an expert do a full inspection.

Just patching average drywall cracks typically costs $300-$500. However, patching only ever covers up the underlying foundation issues affecting your home. The cost of foundation repair varies a lot—and for many reasons. The best way to find out how much it’s going to cost is by getting a free inspection from AquaGuard. If you pick us, we have flexible financing options to help repairs best fit your budget.

Caulk is easy to install on your own, but it’s only a cosmetic fix that masks the appearance of cracks. 

It does nothing to repair the cracks or prevent them from getting worse. 

To address the root cause of the cracks and permanently repair them, it’s best to have a thorough assessment completed by a foundation repair professional, followed by the installation of long-lasting solutions. 

Schedule a Free Inspection with AquaGuard Foundation Solutions

AquaGuard inspector shaking hands with homeowner at front door.

Take the first step towards a safer, more secure property by working with AquaGuard Foundation Solutions. Since 1995, Our expert team has been dedicated to identifying and fixing foundation issues, ensuring Georgia homes remain secure.

Don’t let wall cracks become big problems—contact us now to schedule a free inspection and take control of your home’s safety. Let us help you protect your most important investment and restore your peace of mind!

Related Resources

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

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