How to Repair Drywall Cracks in Minnesota Homes: Drywall cracks are a major headache for homeowners in Minnesota. The seasonal temperature changes, moisture swings, and settling foundations in your state will frequently cause your walls to stress. Though tiny cracks might appear to be merely a cosmetic irritant, failure to deal with them can result in other, worse problems later. The good news is that there are a lot of minor drywall cracks that you can fix yourself, so long as you have the right techniques and tools to do so. In this post, we’ll take you through repairing drywall cracks in your Minnesota house, when to call a pro, and how you can maintain picture-perfect walls all year long with a little help from Niemann Painting.
Common Causes of Drywall Cracks in Minnesota
Before you so much as touch a tool, it’s important to know why cracks form in the first place. In Minnesota, the leading causes are:
Seasonal Temperature Changes
Winters in Minnesota are cold, with hot, humid summers. These fluctuations in temperature can cause building materials to expand and contract, putting strain on drywall joints and seams.
Settling Foundations
All houses settle naturally over time. When foundations move, stress cracks can appear in walls and ceilings, especially near doors, windows, and around the corners of walls.
Humidity Fluctuations
Differences in humidity from indoors can cause drywall to swell or contract slightly, causing hairline cracks.
Poor Installation or Materials
Careless taping, skimpy layers of joint compound, or inferior materials can cause drywall to be more prone to cracking.
Vibration and Movement
Some types of vibration, like heavy foot traffic, door slamming, or nearby construction, can weaken drywall seams.
Understanding what caused your drywall crack can help you determine whether it’s an easy DIY job or something that requires professional inspection.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the appropriate tools and supplies that allow you to work with ease. Here is what you will need to fix most small to medium-sized drywall cracks:
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Drywall tape or Fiberglass mesh tape
- Sand or sanding sponge (coarse-grit, 120–150 grit)
- Joint compound (pre-mixed)
- Paint and primer color equivalent to the wall color
- Paintbrush or roller
- Drop cloth
- Dust with a vacuum or dust off with a broom
All your supplies in place, and you won’t have to halt your repair to search for something that you need.
Step-by-Step Guide | How to Repair Drywall Cracks in Minnesota Homes
Use this step-by-step guide to make a smooth repair that is efficient and will last.
Inspect the Crack and Remove Loose Material
Begin by examining the crack closely. Simply cut it with the utility knife to form a slight “V” shape, as needed to get the joint compound to grab on better. Scrap off any loose junk. If the drywall is crumbling or the paint is flaking off, give it a good rough scraping. Stop and talk to a professional before you progress. If you encounter signs of moisture damage or signs that your foundation has shifted a lot.
A vacuum or feather brush can be used to clear dust from the split and its surroundings. Clean, dust-free surfaces are what is needed for the new stuff to stick on properly.
Apply Drywall Tape or Mesh
Then add a layer of drywall tape or fiberglass mesh over the crack. Mesh tape is self-adhesive, is all that’s needed for hairline cracks, but when the seam is larger, paper tape is commonly used.
- For mesh tape: Trim a piece long enough to cover the crack and press it in place.
- For paper tape: You’ll put a skim coat of joint compound on the wall, following your tape with a thin layer of joint compound that you spread out and then embed the tape into with your putty knife.
If there are any air bubbles or wrinkles, use your knife to gently smooth them out. A bib of plastic won’t stick out, rubbed down through the wall, and will minimize any spider cracking that might later show up.
Apply Drywall Compound and Allow to Dry
Dab joint compound over the tape with a putty knife. Feather the edges so it blends into the wall. Let this first coat dry completely for 24 hours or so, depending on room temperature and humidity.
When dry, sand lightly to remove ridges or rough areas. Try not to sand through the tape.
Reapply a second coat of joint compound, spreading it a couple of inches wider than the first coat, to further feather out the repair. Let dry, then sand to smooth. For deeper cracks, you might need a third thin coat. Take your time with this step for the best finish.
Prime and Paint the Surface
Continue rubbing until the patch is smooth and flush with the wall; then use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining dust.
Use a good quality drywall primer to seal the repaired space and keep the new paint from flashing (blotchy or uneven color). After the primer has dried, paint the space so that it blends in with the rest of the wall. The original finish is always best when used with the same application method (roller or brush) used on the original finish.
When to Call a Professional Drywall Contractor
Although a lot of hairline cracks are great do-it-yourself projects, some circumstances demand the skill of a licensed professional. Here are some things to look for to know when you should call a pro:
- Cracks more than ¼ inch wide and/or repeated large cracks, even if they are less than ¼ inch or do not meet the other requirements posed in items 2-4.
- Cracking with bowing, sagging, or moisture issues
- Several walls appeared to split open all at once
- Signs of structural problems (such as doors sticking or floors sagging)
- Extensive ceiling cracks or damage
A professional contractor will be able to tell you if your problem is cosmetic or a structural concern and the best long-term solution.
How Niemann Painting Assists Minnesota Homeowners?
We’ve been in business for years helping the residents of Minnesota return their walls and ceilings to their original glory. Our crew is familiar with the problems involved in drywall repair in this area. If you need help with little crack repairs or more serious restoration, you can count on us for:
- Professional preparation so repairs last
- Professional-grade materials and techniques
- Texture on texture with no breaks or borders
- Matching the color painting for a seamless finish
- Open scheduling and transparent, up-front pricing
We’re proud to give you like-new results and sometimes, even better! Do not allow unsightly drywall cracks to detract from the beauty and value of your home. Let our experts do the work fast and effectively.
Conclusion
How to Repair Drywall Cracks in Minnesota Homes: Exterior walls in homes in Minnesota get common drywall cracks due to the temperature, humidity, and settling of the them. The good news is that most small cracks can be easily repaired with tools you likely already have around the house, a bit of patience, and the right approach. Whether you handle the job on your own or bring in a professional, such as Niemann Painting, fixing those drywall cracks as soon as possible can help keep the structural integrity and look of your home.
If you are ready to tackle those drywall repairs or get help from a Pro. Call Niemann Painting today to book your free estimate and to find out just how convenient it is to transform your walls.
FAQs
A crack larger than ¼ inch, snaking through multiple walls or accompanied by bowing or moisture stains, could signal a structural problem. In these situations, get an expert in to assess.
You cannot simply emulsion over the cracks without any repair. After the paint settles, the crack will come through, if not even worsen. Tape, compound, and sand before you repaint, always.
There are also no time estimates for drying, which depends on the product and the room. Typically, you will need to wait about 24 hours for each layer of joint compound to dry before sanding or recoating.
