Will drywall seams crack in cold weather?

“Every unheated drywalled cottage I've ever been in always cracks after winter,” says Jeff Graham, a contractor in Little Britain, Ont. During winter, the cottage frame expands and contracts; drywall, attached to it, doesn't have much give, and can fracture. (Wood, on the other hand, deals better with winter movement.)

Why does my drywall crack in the winter?

This is creating shrinkage and tension. This tension exposes itself in the form of cracks where two structural elements connect. It's very common for this to happen at the juncture of a wall and a ceiling.

What causes drywall seams to crack?

Cracks form due to stress placed on the seams. These cracks tend to occur around high-stress areas like windows, door frames, and corners. This stress can come from many sources. Temperature fluctuations can cause the drywall to expand and contract creating stress that cracks the seams.

How do you stop drywall seams from cracking?

Drywall seams are normally covered with paper tape, which is generally known to be stronger and prevents cracking a lot better than fiberglass tape. A word of caution, avoid using mesh tape if you are going to use the “hot” quick-setting drywall mud.

Can cold weather cause cracks in ceiling?

As the dryer winter air normally infiltrates the home the home itself can become dryer. This drying of the home air and the materials used to build the home results in the materials shrinking a bit and the small cracks will form. Usually the cracks will form where sections of drywall meet.

The Crack that Keeps Coming Back (and what to do about it)

Why does my house crack in the winter?

Extreme cold air reduces the moisture content in the building materials, causing them to shrink. In addition to that, temperature differences between the cold outside and a home's inside warmth — heat causes materials to expand — also contribute to the contracting.

What happens to an unheated house in winter?

Unheated homes naturally wind up at the same temperature as the outdoors over time. Even the best insulated home will slowly cool down as winter sets in. Heat slowly escapes through cracks, vents, and even through solid walls. The result is a house that can't protect its plumbing anymore.

Is it normal to see drywall seams?

Sometimes, drywall seams become visible when a house has undergone considerable settling. In your case, unless your geographical area has had unusually dry or wet conditions in recent years, structural problems are probably not at play, given that your home is relatively young at 40 years of age.

Is it normal for drywall to crack?

A: Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house “settling” that can quickly, inexpensively be remedied by re-taping the joints—the seams where the drywall panels meet.

When should I be concerned about drywall cracks?

Recurring cracks or drywall cracks larger than 1/8″ wide are usually signs of significant structural concerns that should be addressed as soon as possible. As the structural components of a home continue to settle, deflect, or deteriorate, the cracks will tend to lengthen and widen.

Why is my ceiling cracking at the seams?

What causes cracks in ceilings? There are two main causes of ceiling cracks: Structural damage and the natural settling that happens as a building ages. Ceiling cracks can also be caused by poor workmanship. Your home is getting older.

What causes hairline cracks in walls?

In new builds and extensions, the foundations will settle under their own weight causing slight cracks in the walls. In older houses, temperature changes and variations in humidity levels will cause the structure to sink and swell over time. Newly plastered walls can often experience hairline cracks as they dry out.

Why are my walls cracking in the corners?

Problematic wall cracks will typically start at windows, doorways or house corners. Generally, smaller hairline cracks are not cause for concern. These are usually the result of seasonal expansion and contraction of clay soils beneath your house over time, and can be easily patched and re-painted.

Is drywall OK in unheated garage?

Yes you can install drywall in an unheated garage too! Drywall is cost effective and easy to install. For an attached garage you must use drywall for the garage wall adjoining the house, as per the building code. Drywall is a great sheathing material for garage walls.

How cold can drywall mud get?

Because it's a water-based product, drywall mud has a similar freezing point to water. It can freeze at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) or lower. However, even at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), it can begin to go bad.

Can poor insulation cause drywall cracks?

While it is rare, RetroFoam home insulation can bow and crack drywall depending on the factors we discussed during the installation.

What do horizontal cracks in drywall mean?

Horizontal cracks in drywall are often indicators of foundation problems. These cracks can be caused by poor soil below the foundation, water damage, and more. Horizontal cracks in concrete walls often indicate serious issues as well.

Can I caulk drywall seams?

No. Caulk might look great for a short time (if it doesn't shrink to oblivion right away), but it doesn't bond to the cut end of the gypsum panel at all. Eventually it'll crack loose. You need tape in most cases to create a solid bond (tape-on-paper, essentially), and to add structure and continuity to the joint.

Do I need to tape drywall seams?

All drywall seams need to have tape embedded in joint compound. The tape strengthens the joint, and the joint compound, or mud, is the adhesive that holds the tape in place.

Will primer hide drywall imperfections?

The texture of your primer will significantly impact how well you're able to cover drywall imperfections. If you're looking for an incredibly smooth finish, using a high-build primer is a must. These are thicker than other types and allow you to fill in any holes, bubbles, and caps that are messing up your wall.

What temperature is too cold for a house?

Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases.

What temperature should I keep my house in the winter so the pipes don't freeze?

Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). Also be sure to replace the battery in your thermostat. Ask for help. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.

Can you freeze to death in an unheated house?

While chances of freezing to death in your home are small, there's a greater danger of death by fire, lack of oxygen or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Can humidity cause drywall to crack?

The accumulation of moisture in the studs behind the drywall therefore can cause the drywall to crack. High levels of humidity in the home are therefore likely to cause drywall damage. In many cases, drywall cracks are the result of foundation damage. Wall cracks are often a sign of foundation movement.

What do vertical cracks in the wall mean?

Vertical and horizontal cracks in drywall or plaster walls typically indicate drying and shrinkage, which is normal after construction. Jagged cracks, stair-step cracks and 45-degree angle cracks generally signify structural movement or settling issues that are occasionally serious but usually harmless.