Cracks in Drywall, Part Two
In my last posting, I talked about settling cracks and why they happen in a home. I also talked about how common they are and how for the most part they are not something to be too concerned with. In this posting I would like to talk about the specific cracks that you may encounter in your home and what can be done about them.
Cracks Above Doors & Windows
These cracks usually appear because the drywall installer placed a seam above the opening. While it is not wrong to install drywall this way, it does create a weak spot in the wall that is very susceptible to movement and therefore cracking.
Nail Pops
Nail pops appear because the wallboard moves but the nail doesn’t. Another cause of nail pops is the normal wear and tear on the ever shifting house over the course of time. It is normal for drywall screws or nails to loosen. As the drywall moves it pushing the head of the nail or screw outward, which in turn, causes a bubble or blister in your drywall. This is what is known as a “nail pop.” These might look unsightly, they usually aren’t severe. Your Andy onCall Handyman has the proper skills and techniques to repair these nail pops and get your wall smooth again in a minimal amount of fuss and mess.
Ceiling Cracks
Cracks found in the uppermost floor of a house are usually caused by “Truss Lift”. Houses built prior to the 1960’s used ceiling joists and rafters to create the ceiling and roof. Sometime in the 1960’s builders started using “trusses” to construct ceilings and roofs. While rafters and joists are separate units, Trusses are (generally speaking) a system of triangles that distribute loads equally across the whole roof/ceiling unit, and the shifting and settling house beneath the trusses can lead to Truss Lift and ceiling cracks.
The good news is that drywall repair projects typically do not require any kind of municipality design approval or permits. Although, in some places, minor repair and replacement projects need a special permit obtained through the Easy Permit Process (EPP). The projects that come under this category include replacing limited drywall, drywall repair, light fixtures, single furnace, limited brick masonry, and roof replacement.
Most drywall repair projects can be completed in a relatively short amount of time (2-3 days), and with minimal amount of mess and at a reasonable cost. So don’t let those drywall cracks get you down. Call Andy OnCall and let our certified Handyman take care of drywall repair needs sooner rather than later! All of our handyman have the specialized skills and techniques to handle and drywall repair issues you may need.
