What causes plasterboard walls and ceilings to crack?

Cracked plasterboard walls and ceilings can be a real pain. They're unsightly, they make your home look old and tired, and if you leave them for too long, the damage will only get worse. They can be caused by many things, including building movement caused by soil subsidence, different soil types, moisture damage and temperature and humidity changes.

Tree Roots

Another common issue can also be destructive tree roots. This quick guide will help you understand why your walls and ceiling crack so that you can have them fixed quickly. If you'd like more information about why plasterboard walls and ceilings crack in Cairns, the local Cairns plasterers at Cairns Plaster Professionals are more than happy to chat with you anytime about these issues to help you to get your walls and ceilings fixed.

Soil Subsidence

Soil subsidence is when the weight of your house causes the soil to shift underneath your foundation. When you place a new building or structure on top of this unstable surface, it can cause sinking and settling, which in turn will cause plasterboard walls and ceilings to crack. Soil subsidence can result in structural weakening and potential safety risks. It is a job that must be inspected and repaired by a skilled expert.

Moisture

As mentioned above, moisture damage is another common cause of cracks in plasterboard walls and ceilings. The reason is usually faulty plumbing, leaking roofs, poor ventilation, soil type etc. If not carefully managed, moisture can seep into the gap between your ceiling or wall finishes and your home's framework, resulting in expansion pressure that eventually cracks.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity changes can also result in expansion and/or contraction. It is pretty standard if you have an external sunroom or alfresco area attached to your house. Temperature changes will cause either expansion or contraction, which can cause cracking plasterboard walls and ceilings.

Tree roots are often blamed for causing damage, such as buckling walls and floors, but they can also attack your plasterboard walls and ceilings. The moisture content in the soil will encourage tree roots to grow underneath your home. The plants use their roots as a natural scaffold to support themselves as they grow upwards, causing damage along the way. Tree root removal is not always an easy task, so if you suspect your garden trees are damaging the foundations of your home, call in a professional, local plasterer.

Plasterboard walls and ceilings can crack for many reasons, but knowing what causes them can help you prevent future damage and fix existing problems before they get worse. If left untreated, cracks in plasterboard walls and ceilings could lead to more significant issues down the line, such as mould growth or structural instability. You don't want to put off fixing these issues because it could cost more money later on when you have to pay for a significant repair or even replace parts of your home!

Cracked Gyprock Repairs In Cairns QLD

If you'd like to get a free assessment of the Gyprock/plasterboard damage at your property in Cairns, and a quote to repair, reach out to the local, friendly plasterers at Cairns Plaster Professionals today! They can promptly and affordably carry out cracked Gyprock and plasterboard repairs so your wall and ceiling surfaces look like new once more.