Why Drywall Cracks in Lewisville Homes, and How to Fix It

If you live in Lewisville, Flower Mound, or Carrollton, you have probably seen it. A thin crack runs up from the corner of a door frame. Another one shows up over a window. You patch it, paint it, and a year later it is back.

You are not doing anything wrong. Cracked sheetrock is one of the most common problems in North Texas homes. Here is why it happens, when to worry, and how to fix it so it stays fixed.

The cause: North Texas clay soil

Most of Denton County sits on expansive clay soil. When it rains, the clay soaks up water and swells. During a dry summer, it shrinks and pulls away from the foundation.

That movement is small, but your house feels it. Each time the soil swells or shrinks, the foundation shifts a tiny bit. The walls above it flex. Sheetrock is stiff, so it cannot flex much. The stress collects at the weakest points, which are the corners of doors and windows.

That is why most cracks start at a corner and run at an angle, up toward the ceiling.

Normal cracks vs. warning signs

Most hairline cracks are cosmetic. They are a normal part of owning a home in North Texas. But some signs point to a bigger foundation problem.

Usually cosmetic:

• Thin, hairline cracks at door and window corners
• Cracks along a taped seam in the ceiling
• Nail pops (small round bumps where a screw or nail pushed out)

Worth a closer look:

• Cracks wider than about a quarter inch
• Doors that suddenly stick or will not latch
• Cracks in brick on the outside of the house in a stair-step pattern
• Gaps between the wall and the floor or ceiling

If you see the warning signs, talk to a foundation company first. There is no point in fixing sheetrock that is still moving a lot. Once the foundation is stable, we can repair the walls.

Why a simple patch keeps coming back

Most quick fixes use spackle or a thin layer of mud over the crack. That fills the gap, but it does not add any strength. The next time the house moves, the crack opens right back up along the same line.

A lasting repair has to bridge the crack with something that holds both sides together.

How we fix drywall cracks for good

Here is the process we use on sheetrock replacement and repair jobs:

1. Open the crack. We cut a small V along the crack and remove loose material. This gives the new mud something to bond to.
2. Tape it. We bed paper or mesh tape over the crack. The tape is what holds the two sides together when the house moves.
3. Float it smooth. We apply two or three thin coats of joint compound, feathering each one wider, and sand between coats.
4. Match the texture. Most homes here have orange peel or knockdown walls. We match the texture so the repair does not stand out.
5. Prime and paint. We prime the patch so it does not flash, then paint the wall.

For cracked or damaged sections, such as a ceiling with a water stain, we cut the bad piece out and hang new sheetrock. Then we tape, bed, and texture it the same way.

Should you paint over cracks?

No. Paint will not hide a crack for long. The crack will show through within weeks, and it will look worse because the new paint makes it stand out.

If you are planning an interior painting project, fix the cracks first. That is one reason we handle both the drywall and the paint. You get one company and one schedule, and the walls are ready before the first coat goes on.

Tips to slow down new cracks

You cannot stop the soil from moving, but you can make the swings smaller:

• Water your foundation in summer. A soaker hose a foot or two from the slab during long dry spells keeps the clay from shrinking as much.
• Keep gutters clean. Big pours of water in one spot make the soil swell unevenly.
• Keep the indoor temperature steady. Big swings in heat and humidity make wood framing move.

Get a free crack repair estimate

We fix drywall cracks all over Lewisville, Carrollton, and Flower Mound. Text us a photo of the crack at (469) 364-2456 and we will tell you what we see. Or request a free estimate and we will come take a look.