Cracks in the walls and ceilings of your home might seem like minor cosmetic issues, but they can often signal more serious underlying problems. You don’t want to ignore them and later learn that inaction led to more severe problems requiring a substantial repair bill.
While perhaps tempting to dismiss these imperfections as harmless, ignoring them could lead to larger structural or safety concerns. Instead of ignoring or dismissing them, pay attention. They might be telltale signs of something wrong with your roof or ceiling — perhaps stemming from foundation issues.
It’s a good idea to reach out to a company specializing in helping homeowners who are dealing with cracks. It could be a worthwhile investment, especially compared to doing nothing and facing serious issues that cost a small fortune to fix later on.
Here are three reasons it’s never a good idea to turn a blind eye to cracks on walls and ceilings.
Indicators of Structural Damage
Wall or ceiling cracks could be a sign of structural damage. Cracks that are wide, run diagonally, or appear suddenly could be a telltale sign of the foundation shifting, settling, or weakening of load-bearing components. The problem is that structural damage can intensify over time if not addressed right away. A worst-case scenario is a ceiling collapse. You can potentially avoid catastrophic ceiling failure by addressing issues right away.
Potential for Water Infiltration
Cracks could allow moisture to seep into your residence. If you think hairline cracks are minor and won’t lead to water infiltration, think again. Water can seep indoors during heavy rains or when snow melts. Over time, this can cause a lot of problems ranging from wood rot to mold growth. Moisture problems can also negatively impact air quality and health.
Hidden Pest Entry Points
If you’re like most homeowners, you’d rather not have rodents running across the living room, scurrying in and out of your pet’s food or water dish, or playing on the countertop.
But cracks in the walls or ceilings can serve as inviting entry points for rodents, spiders, ants, and other pests. Small cracks are all pests need to get indoors and cause an infestation — the type that will force you to call a pest control company to remedy the issue.
Cosmetic Damage Can Devalue Property
Even if cracks don’t point to structural problems when you first notice them, they can eventually become problematic. And they will negatively impact the aesthetics of your home. That can come back to hurt you if the time comes to put your home up for sale.
People looking for homes might be turned off by obvious cracks in the walls or ceilings. If they don’t notice them, the inspectors they hire to assess the homes will surely notice them. Buyers won’t give you the benefit of the doubt. They’ll assume the worst if there are visible cracks. It’s best to hire a company to fix cracks on walls and ceilings before selling your residence.
Small Cracks Can Get Worse Over Time
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming small cracks will stay that way…small. But the reality is that small cracks will worsen over time. It won’t happen overnight, but small cracks that aren’t attended to quickly will eventually become big problems.
What looks like a hairline crack today can grow into something bigger and more unwieldy. By taking decisive action sooner rather than later, you can fix the problem and avoid bigger repair bills.
Wall and ceiling cracks aren’t just eyesores. They can be telltale signs of structural problems, moisture issues, and other things. Ignoring them may lead to more costly and complicated issues down the road. If you notice cracks, contact a company that can assess them and recommend the right fix. Otherwise, you’re rolling dice and risking your real estate investment.
