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Cracks on the wall

(Published on - 6/14/2024 12:02:34 PM)

 

 


When You Shouldn’t Ignore the Cracks in the Wall

By Courtney Klosterman

Not all cracks are the same. Learn how to separate minor cosmetic imperfections from more significant structural problems.

NEW YORK – Cracks in the walls can reveal a lot about a home’s health. These imperfections are a natural result of everyday use, but sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious.

The timing and severity of certain cracks may depend on factors like a home’s construction type, building quality, foundation and soil conditions. If your clients moved into a newly built house, they may spot certain cracks after the one-year mark when the home has had a chance to settle and dry out.

Catching cracks early can save time, money and stress. Below is a guide to the different types of wall cracks, the common root causes and the best course of action for completing repairs.

4 types of wall cracks you should know about

1. Hairline cracks

Level of urgency: Low

Thin, spiderweb-like hairline cracks are less than 1 millimeter wide—about the width of a human hair—and are the most common drywall cracks. They can appear during a home’s normal settling process or after minor fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Hairline cracks can run in any direction and don't require immediate attention. Still, you’ll want to monitor the cracks each week to check for a change in length and width and address any moisture issues, like improper drainage. If you notice the crack growing wider or longer, consult a professional structural engineer for evaluation to assess the cause and for recommendations of any necessary repairs.

Hairline cracks can be caused by:

  • Settling: As a house settles into its foundation, slight shifts can lead to minor cracks in the drywall or plaster.
  • Temperature changes: Seasonal temperature variations cause building materials to expand and contract.
  • Humidity changes: Changes in humidity levels can cause drywall or plaster to contract or expand.

Actions to take: Monitor the crack weekly for any growth. (Measure it!) Patch and repaint the hairline crack using a joint compound, which is a paste made of gypsum powder and other binders that can be spread onto the crack and sanded when dry.

2. Vertical cracks

Level of urgency: Low to Moderate

These cracks often result from foundation settlement. Vertical cracks travel straight up and down, following the line where the wall meets the floor. They can vary in size. These cracks generally pose minimal concern if there are no significant increases in length or width.

However, vertical cracks need to be assessed once they are greater than 5 millimeters wide. If the crack is close enough to the ground and easily accessible, use a ruler to measure its width. For higher cracks, mark either side with a pencil and monitor the distance over time. If you detect dampness or widening cracks, seek professional help.

Vertical cracks can be caused by:

  • Settling: Both newer and older homes can experience settling into their foundation. While newer homes may settle more noticeably due to the initial adjustments of the building materials, older homes might have already undergone significant settling over time, which can also lead to cracks in the walls.
  • Temperature changes: Temperature fluctuations can make building materials expand and contract slightly.
  • The urgency of addressing a vertical crack largely depends on its size:

Low urgency: Hairline vertical cracks are generally low priority, especially if they haven't changed.

Moderate urgency: Cracks wider than 3 millimeters warrant a professional evaluation.

Actions to take: For hairline vertical cracks, monitor them weekly for any changes in size or length.

If the cracks widen or you have any concerns, consult a foundation specialist for a professional assessment.

3. Horizontal cracks

Level of urgency: High

Horizontal cracks that run along the wall plane can be a serious sign of foundation issues and potential structural drywall cracks. These cracks are often the result of structural movement as expansive soils build up against the foundation wall. They will progressively widen without proper care, potentially causing complete wall failure.

Consult a professional for any horizontal crack, regardless of its width. This urgency is because horizontal cracks signify movement or pressure on the foundation walls. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent further damage.

Horizontal cracks can be caused by:

  • Foundation movement: Uneven settling of the foundation can put stress on walls, causing them to crack horizontally. This is due to poor soil conditions, moisture issues or changes in water drainage around the house. While horizontal cracks may be more commonly associated with newer homes, older homes are not exempt.
  • Moisture: Factors such as moisture problems or changes in water drainage around the house can contribute to foundation movement and horizontal cracking.

Actions to take: Consult a foundation specialist or structural engineer for a professional assessment. The professional should be able to help diagnose the cause of the crack and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which may involve foundation repair or structural reinforcement.

4. Diagonal cracks

Level of urgency: High

Diagonal cracks run at an angle on the wall from corner to corner, slanted at a 45-degree angle compared to the vertical wall plane. These cracks, regardless of size, need immediate attention from a professional.

Early intervention is key since diagonal cracks are a sign of foundation settlement, often a result of the earth pushing on the concrete basement wall. Early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing more extensive damage to your foundation and the overall structural integrity of your home.

Diagonal cracks can be caused by:

  • Poor soil compaction: If the soil supporting your foundation wasn't adequately compacted during construction, it will settle unevenly over time. This uneven settling puts stress on the walls, causing them to crack diagonally.
  • Changes in moisture content: Fluctuations in soil moisture content can lead to uneven settling. For example, during droughts, the soil shrinks, causing the foundation to shift and the walls to crack.
  • Inadequate drainage: Poor drainage around the house leads to water pooling near the foundation. This saturated soil puts uneven pressure on the foundation.

Actions to take: Contact a foundation specialist or structural engineer as soon as possible for a professional assessment. The professional can diagnose the cause of the crack and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which may involve foundation repair, soil stabilization techniques or structural reinforcement.

What causes cracks in walls and ceilings?

Cracks are most commonly caused by expansion and contraction of building materials. This occurs due to changes in both moisture content and temperature. These minor shifts can lead to hairline cracks in the drywall or plaster, especially in newer homes during the first few years.

Construction imperfections may also be a contributing factor. For instance, improperly taped drywall joints or shrinkage in concrete foundation walls can lead to cracks.

Further, leaks in the roof, plumbing or poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup in walls, causing cracks. Homeowners should be on the lookout for any moisture present to help prevent water damage and further structural damage.

When should I worry about cracks in the wall?

Not all cracks are created equal. The size and location of wall cracks are key factors to consider. Large cracks wider than 5 millimeters are a cause for concern, especially if they are diagonal, horizontal or above a door frame. These cracks could indicate foundation movement, stress on structural supports or settling issues. Have professionals evaluate in these cases.

The presence of multiple cracks, especially if they are clustered together in a specific area, also calls for attention. This suggests there could be a widespread problem that requires a professional evaluation to determine the cause and best course of action.

By addressing cracks promptly, you can help prevent them from worsening and safeguard the structural integrity of the home. Cracks are not always a cause for alarm. Cracks in walls or ceilings are fairly common. They might seem visually alarming, but a better understanding of them can help identify the difference between a minor cosmetic imperfection and a more significant structural problem.

© 2024 National Association of Realtors® (NAR)

 


THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FOR YOU

(Published on - 10/30/2020 11:47:39 AM)

THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FOR YOU

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What is an investment? For most people, it’s buying stocks and shares. However, it’s quite intimidating, given the turbulent nature of current circumstances. So if you are looking to invest, real estate is always a smart choice. It’s a physical asset, a great passive income generator – overall, a reliable revenue source. You might not have known that there are several types of real estate investments, and you should think long and hard before you decide which is the best for you.

Passive real estate investments

As the word implies, this is the type of investment where you take a more passive role. There is no driving around in search of a suitable property. Instead, there are real estate investment platforms where you can browse through the options. These platforms often function as crowdfunding websites. You will find a specific project you want to invest in. The amount of money you will put in will depend on the project and the platform of your choice. Then, your money will be put together with other investors’ money, and you will receive dividends from the projects you have invested in. Dividends will, of course, be proportionate to the amount of money you have put in. 

Moreover, passive investment means that you will not be responsible for the maintenance, repairs, rent collection or other property manager duties. You are just an investor.

Active real estate investments

If you would rather take a more proactive road, active real estate investment is your option. Beware, however, that it can be much harder than it seems. You will have to spend more time searching for the right rental property to invest in. This type of investment implies purchasing the property of choice and being responsible for all managerial duties like finding tenants. It will mean that you are the landlord, and you will be collecting rent in exchange for housing and maintenance. 

If this sounds like a suitable option for you, it’s worth considering the following points:

  • rental affordability – if it’s high, it means you will have no difficulty finding tenants, but the rent will not be as high as you’d probably like. Alternatively, if it’s low, there will be fewer potential tenants, but the charge for the rent will be much higher.
  • housing starts – this is the number of other housing facilities under construction in a particular area. If there are many constructions in development, it may increase the value of your property.
  • average house prices – look only at areas where property prices are increasing because you will ensure positive returns and charge higher rent.

Something in-between

If being a landlord is too much for you, but you do want some direct control over the management of a property, there are semi-passive options for you. One such option is hiring a property manager who will do all the heavy lifting for a fee. Another one is finding an alternative real estate investment, such as a parking lot or a garage. And finally, if you have space in your home you don’t use, you can rent it via Airbnb or Homestay websites. 

Flipping homes

Buy, renovate, sell for more – sounds pretty straightforward. However, this is the most costly, time-consuming, and energy-draining of all real estate investments. The way to make it work is to have a network of trustworthy and reliable contractors. Also, it’s vital to keep in mind that this is a risky business – the real estate market, economy, and location play an important role. So, there are no guarantees that the house will sell for more.

Nevertheless, it still has a lot of potentials. In 2020, many families who live in apartments dreamed of a house with a garden during lockdowns due to Covid-19. If you’re into making dreams come true, flipping houses is the right choice for you. All these people will have to do is hire the guys from a moving company, such as Zippy Shell Columbus or similar places, to help them relocate safely and efficiently. 

Real estate investments are always a good idea, whichever way you choose. However, you do need to do your homework before investing, for you can easily lose your shirt if you don’t play your cards carefully. But if you do, not only will you make your money back, but you will make some, and more. 


CALCULATING YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY BUDGET

(Published on - 10/2/2020 7:28:34 PM)

Getting started with owning rental properties needs a lot of considerations before diving in. Possessing these real estate investments is one of the best choices any investor can make. Thus, rental property is among the top investment options in the real estate industry. 

Along with deferred income and tax benefits, investing with a rental property can produce good returns all year round and is not affected by the market’s changes. However, most people are not sure how to get started when it comes to budgeting and managing a rental.

 

How To Uncover Future Potential Expenses: 

 

  • Ask local real estate managers: Many property managers would happily provide you with this kind of knowledge. They will help you not just because it’s their expertise, but also because of the likelihood that you might use them as your real estate managers one day. 

These people usually do have excellent knowledge of real estate properties. Thus, they must also provide information, especially for future expenses, that can help you out with your financial budget. You can also use the aid of a house sale calculator to estimate the proceeds of your home or rental property further. 

  • Contact other investors: One way to uncover future fees is to ask other real estate investors who owned rental properties within the area. You can learn some insights from their experiences that might help while you’re still getting started. 

These people can easily be found in local real estate groups. You can also ask for references from your real estate agent or look through public records or browse social media.

This investment will provide several expenditures and fees. Investors need to become aware of the possible expenses to calculate an accurate financial budget for a rental property. 

Property Taxes

As most people say, death and taxes are the only sure things in life. One cost associated with rental property investment is the property tax. Usually, this depends on the property’s jurisdiction, which is assessed by the county in which the property is located.

Moreover, property tax can be tax-deductible on your tax return. Investors seeking to determine property tax costs can contact their county assessor to receive the accurate sum of the latest property taxes. 

Insurance

The insurance is another cost related to rental property investments. Although this expense varies depending on the region, this insurance cost is usually included in the mortgage payment. But if not, investors should make sure to keep enough funds to cover the monthly costs of insurance. 

Insurance usually is paid in one lump payment a year. However, a lot of providers do allow monthly payments, often requiring additional fees. 

Moreover, you have to pay a “Homeowner’s Association Fee” if your property is situated within a Homeowner’s Association. This scenario is most likely prevalent with moderately priced neighborhoods or condominiums. 

Utilities

Often, utilities are shouldered by tenants. However, utilities, such as water and sewer, are generally provided by the proprietor. This is not valid in all cases. Make sure to check with the competition and environment in your area and figure out how you can offset this fee to your tenant. 

Electricity, on the other hand, is almost always paid by tenants. However, there are still multifamily establishments who also pay part of the property, such as storage areas and lights in parking lots. 

Gas, other heat resources and garbage are also paid either by the landlord or tenants. This depends on the arrangement, as well as the area where the property is located and other circumstances. Thus, you should take this into account to come up with precise calculations and prevent possible losses. 

Property Management

Investors who wish to expedite their investment in rental property should consider incorporating a property management firm. 

The role of these firms is to settle rental rates, delegate maintenance, collect rent, advertise and market, as well as look for perfect tenants. The advantages of having a property manager include shorter vacancy periods, fewer legal issues and improved processes. Thus, makes it much easier for those who just started in the rental property industry. 

While these may add costs that can affect your budget, the value of property management to investors, especially to newbies, is undoubtedly worth it. It can help those who are hoping to take their business to the next level.

In summary, starting a rental property requires you to be financially wise. Rental property costs will vary from area to area and property to property. From taxes, insurance, utilities to property management, you should calculate your financial budget and other possible outcomes. As investors, even though these potential expenses might cost you a lot, especially when tax season arrives, the benefits are likely bigger than your expenditures.


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