How to Repair a Wall Crack at Home?

Before you begin patching walls, know what type of wall crack it is. Some could be minor cracks, while others can indicate a bigger problem in the structure of your home. 

Here’s how to tell them apart: 

• Thin cracks are called hairline cracks that are a result of minor issues, such as weather changes. 
•  If the cracks are running from the floor to the ceiling, then they could be vertical cracks. These are also caused by minor issues like humidity. 
• If the cracks are parallel to the floor, then they could be horizontal cracks. They can show issues with foundation or soil settlement. 
• The cracks that run diagonally and intersect with other wall cracks are called diagonal or stair-step cracks. They can be a sign of major issues such as foundation shifting. 

You’ll also need some essential materials to begin fixing your walls, so gather these items: 

• Putty knife or scrapper 
• Wall putty or wall cracks solution
• Sandpaper 
• Paint 
• Rollers and paintbrushes

Once that’s all done, follow these simple steps to fill in cracks in walls at home: 

1. To Repair a Wall Crack in Drywalls:

Drywall, a common type of wall panel, is made with gypsum plaster and is inserted between a couple of sheets of paper. These types of panels provide a smooth, even surface for interior walls. 

So, if you want to fix cracks in drywalls, then here are some steps to follow: 

• Purchase a joint compound. Premix or setting type will do. 
• Cut a V-shape along the wall cracks. 
• Properly clean the area you want to fix. If there’s any dirt or debris, clean it with a wet cloth. Let it dry completely. 
• Once that’s done, apply the wall cracks solution evenly along the wall cracks. 
• If the cracks in the walls are deep, then apply layers. Let each layer dry completely before you apply another coat. 
• Once dry, you can use sandpaper to smooth the surface until flat. 
• Pick your choice of paint and apply it over the repaired wall to match the rest of the wall. 

2. To Repair a Wall Crack in Concrete Walls: 

In Indian homes, concrete walls are common. Moreover, you can find concrete walls in basements and garages, if you have any. Wall cracks in concrete walls can occur because of shifts in the foundation, weather changes, and water damage.

Here are some ways to repair a wall crack in concrete walls: 

• Start by widening the crack a bit by using a chisel. 
• Clean the cracked area with a brush to remove all the debris. 
• Then, use a bonding adhesive to coat the wall crack. You can use a paintbrush to do so. 
• Once done, apply coats of wall cracks solution using a putty knife. Press it into the wall cracks until it’s flat against the wall. 
• Apply it well so that the crack solution blends in with the wall. 

3. To Repair a Wall Crack in Plaster Walls:

Since plaster walls are common in old homes, wall cracks are prone to happen. Wall cracks in plaster walls can occur because of shifting in the foundation, weather changes, or plaster ageing naturally. 

Here’s how you can repair a wall crack in a plaster wall: 

• Gently press the wall to see if the plaster comes off. 
• After that, clean the area and widen the crack just a bit with the putty knife. 
• Next, spread the wall crack solution on the crack in the wall to fill it completely. 
• If the wall crack is huge, then you can apply self-adhesive fibreglass mesh tape before patching the wall. 
• Then, apply a couple of layers of joint compound you brought over the tape. 
• Lastly, paint over the patched walls to match the rest of the walls.