Why Does Drywall Crack in the Winter?

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining your home is cracking drywall. Drywall cracking can happen for a number of reasons–including structural problems in your home. But, drywall cracks are common in both new and old homes and can be quickly and inexpensively be fixed by re-taping the joints.

One of the biggest causes of cracked drywall is bad or cold weather.

How to Avoid Cracks in Drywall

Drywall is a fairly affordable material for building homes. It is relatively easy to install with the right tools and is used in all types of weather conditions. Unfortunately, if not properly installed, drywall can be a lot more susceptible to cracking in the winter.

Why Does My Drywall Crack in the Winter?

Drywall will expand and contract throughout the year. As is the case for many other types of materials, this happens naturally. Drywall expands when it's warm and contracts when it cools off. This may cause cracking–which is one of the reasons that building codes often require expansion joints walls over 30 feet long. In locations where the seasonal differences are significant, even shorter walls can crack.

There are a few reasons why drywall might crack in the winter. One reason is because of the change in temperature. When it's cold outside, the drywall contracts, and when it's warm outside, the drywall expands. This can cause the drywall to crack along the seams.

Another reason is because of the moisture in the air. When the air is moist, it can make the drywall swell and cause it to crack. And finally, when there's snow or ice on the roof, it can add weight to the roof and cause the drywall to sag and crack.

What Do I Do if My Drywall Cracks?

If your drywall does crack, you can use drywall repair tools to fix it. Make sure you get everything you need, including a putty knife, sandpaper, and primer. First, you'll want to scrape away any loose paint or plaster and then sand the area smooth. Prime the area and let it dry. Then, use the putty knife to apply the patching compound to the hole and smooth it out. Let it dry and then sand it down until it's level with the surrounding surface. Finally, paint over the area to conceal the repair.

To minimize drywall cracks, do your best to place the butt joints where they are least exposed to movement. For example, notch your drywall around windows and doors instead of breaking drywall at these movement-prone spots. Then, leave a 1/8" gap between the boards, do not fit them snuggly against each other.

Al's Taping Tools is Here to Help

So if you're experiencing drywall cracks in the winter, don't worry - there are ways to fix them. Just make sure to take care of the problem before it gets worse. It's also important to have the right tools to ensure your drywall is fixed properly. Shop Al's Taping tools here.