4 Types of Cracks in an Interior Wall

Are you considering purchasing a home but worried about those pesky wall cracks you noticed during the viewing? Understanding the different types of cracks and their implications can save you from costly repairs and ensure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare—read on to discover which cracks are harmless and which might signal deeper structural issues requiring professional inspection.

Cracks in the wall can be a sign that something is wrong with a property. Want to buy a home with certainty about its condition? Then it's a good idea to have a building inspection performed, so the building report contains all the information about the property's structural condition. Cracks in the walls don't necessarily have to be a major problem.

Visible cracks in the plaster may be unsightly, but they are essentially harmless. They can be repaired to reveal the appearance, and there's no harm done. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to all types of cracks. Homekeur explains four types of cracks you might encounter in interior walls.

1. Cracks under the window frames

Do you see cracks under the window frames? In most cases, these are vertical cracks. It's good to know that these cracks aren't dangerous and don't indicate a serious problem with the house. These cracks indicate that the walls don't have enough room to move. These cracks can be filled with plaster, after which they'll be neatly concealed.

2. Cracks directly under the construction beams

Structural beams naturally play an important role. If cracks appear directly beneath a beam, this is a significant sign that something is wrong. In this situation, it's crucial to call in a professional as soon as possible to assess the situation. These cracks are dangerous, especially because they indicate that the beam isn't providing sufficient support for the structure.

3. Horizontal cracks in the interior walls

Sometimes walls are not flexible enough to properly bend with the substrate. When this happens, horizontal cracks develop in the interior walls. These types of cracks don't develop very quickly, so if they do appear, they're cause for concern. There can be several causes, and it's important to have the cause diagnosed quickly by a professional. Depending on the cause, horizontal cracks in interior walls can be dangerous.

4. Vertical cracks in the interior walls

Compared to horizontal cracks in interior walls, vertical cracks are usually not dangerous. They often arise from a lack of space to move or when uneven pressure is exerted on the wall in question. The cracks can appear anywhere in the wall itself. If the cracks are near the ceiling, this often indicates uneven pressure. Because these cracks are not dangerous, you can repair them yourself without them being visible, so they no longer bother you.

Always have cracks in walls checked thoroughly

You're looking to buy a house, and during the viewing, you notice cracks in the walls. This could be a cause for concern, but it doesn't have to be. However, it's always important to have it properly inspected to ensure you're completely sure. Dangerous cracks need to be addressed, which can be expensive. Homekeur is happy to conduct a building inspection , where we'll check the entire condition of the property for you. We'll prepare a building report containing all the relevant information about the property, including any cracks. This way, you'll always know where you stand. For more information or advice, please feel free to contact us. You can also schedule a building inspection directly online.

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

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