Cracks in Drywall or Walls
Cracks in your walls? Learn if they're cosmetic or structural, DIY repair steps, and professional costs ($100–$500).
Typical repair cost: $100–$500 · DIY difficulty: Easy · About 1–2 hours.
What usually causes it
- Normal settling
- Temperature/humidity changes
- Poor taping at joints
- Foundation movement
- Water damage
What you need
- Mesh tape
- Joint compound
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Paint
How to fix it yourself
- Determine crack type: hairline cracks at seams are usually cosmetic
- For hairline cracks: apply mesh tape over the crack, then 2–3 thin coats of joint compound
- Sand smooth between coats and after final coat
- Prime and paint to match
- For cracks wider than 1/4 inch or stair-step patterns in brick: this may indicate foundation issues
- Monitor wide cracks — if they grow, get a structural engineer inspection
When to call a pro
If cracks are wider than 1/4 inch, appear in stair-step patterns, or doors/windows are sticking — get a foundation inspection immediately.