Hairline cracks over doors and windows are likely due to settling.
Wall cracks above door.
As homes settle cracks may radiate from the corners of doors and windows.
Long horizontal cracks that extend along the joints where interior partition walls and upstairs ceilings connect generally signify roof truss issues which cause ceilings to detach from walls.
Those hairline wall cracks that appear above windows and doors are caused when framing lumber dries out and shrinks or the structure settles.
The most common areas are the corners of doors and windows as well as the corners of wall openings.
When seams must land above an opening keep the seam at least 7 in.
How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious.
Although the fractures are small they re persistent.
Small cracks located above interior windows or doors are usually harmless.
But if you notice a lot of cracks deeper cracks or other concerns talk with a foundation repair company for advice.
Do cracks in my walls indicate a structural problem rachel.
Most small cracks in drywall or plaster walls are not serious and are caused by seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood framing in your house over time.
These cracks are usually on the walls where the trusses run perpendicular to where a wall meets the ceiling.
Simply spackling over the trouble spots seldom hides them for long.
I try to avoid locating seams between drywall panels above door and window openings because this invites cracking as the building settles.
Thin cracks in just a few places above doors and windows can be re taped and painted to restore your home s aesthetics.
Away from the edge.
There s no exact method for determining how serious a wall crack is without hiring an expert to examine the wall but you might be able to.
These cracks usually run either horizontal or vertical at the drywall seams.
If there are doors located in the walls where truss lift occurs then it is not uncommon for there to be cracks near or at the door corners however the majority of cracks caused by truss uplift are where the walls meet the ceiling.
These cracks are serious and require professional attention.
This is true of both exterior and interior doors and openings.
They re often found at the corners of window and door frames and can be patched using spackling or joint compound.
Allow the repair to dry thoroughly sand it smooth avoid exposing the tape and paint it.