Ceiling Cracks in Newer Homes: Why They Happen and How We Fix Them
Do you see long cracks running across your ceiling or drywall seams splitting open? If so, you’re not alone. Even homes as new as five years old can show cracks in ceilings and walls.
We recently helped a homeowner in Huntley whose six-year-old home had cracks across nearly every ceiling seam. Here’s why it happens—and how we fix it so it stays fixed.
Ceiling Cracks in Newer Homes- why does it happen?
- Settlement & Movement – New homes “settle” as lumber dries, foundations shift slightly, and materials adjust.
- Drywall Installation – If drywall sheets run in the same direction as framing lumber, cracks often appear right along those seams.
- Seasonal Expansion – Midwest humidity swings can push and pull drywall, creating stress on seams.
- Previous Builder Repairs – Quick builder “patch jobs” often use lightweight mud that cracks again.
💡 In our Huntley project, every crack ran the same direction—proof the drywall was hung with seams running along the same framing direction.
How We Fix Ceiling Cracks the Right Way
Here’s our process (the one Louis and Chad used on this project):
- Cut Out the Crack – Simply smearing mud over it won’t work. We cut out the split to get to solid drywall.
- Add Screws – If the drywall has shifted, we secure it back into framing with new screws.
- Re-Tape & Mud – Fresh tape and multiple coats of joint compound rebuild the seam.
- Sand & Smooth – Using dust-controlled HEPA sanding tools so your home doesn’t fill with drywall dust.
- Prime & Paint – Full repaint (in this case, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster) so the repair disappears.
Cost: What to Expect
Repairs like this usually range from $500–$1,200, depending on:
- How many cracks need repair
- If scaffolding or tall ladders are required
- Whether full repainting is needed or just touch-ups
Ceiling Crack Fix vs. Quick Builder Patch
| Method | Builder Patch | Professional Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Scrape & Mud Only | ✅ | ❌ |
| Add Screws to Secure | ❌ | ✅ |
| New Tape & Multiple Coats | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dust-Control Sanding | ❌ | ✅ |
| Matching Paint Finish | Hit or miss | Smooth & seamless |
FAQ: Ceiling Crack Edition
🔹 Are ceiling cracks dangerous?
Most aren’t structural—they’re cosmetic. If cracks are wide or angled, though, it’s worth checking the structure.
🔹 Will they come back after repair?
If properly taped, mudded, and painted, repairs last. But homes can keep shifting, so new cracks can form elsewhere.
🔹 Can I just paint over them?
Nope. Paint won’t hide cracks—it’ll make them more obvious.
🔹 What’s the best paint color for repairs?
Neutral whites like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster make touch-ups easier and keep ceilings bright. Here is a rticle we wrote about flat paint, which is best for ceilings..
Local Example: Huntley Home Repair
Our number one call is from home owners who have moved into a home and are in need of areas of the home that need repair. The nnumber one thing we are asked to fix is ceiling cracks.
the video above os one section of the home that we worked on, the main level and 3rd level will come later.
The cracks happen formany reasons, but the build is the cheif reason. The feeling or emtuon onthese is the same- UGH- like calgon commercails in the 80’s- home owners just want them to go away!!
It is a pain in the rear for sure.. covering everthing with plastic, cleanup, vacuming up dust, just to paint the ceiling becuase we have to fix a crack. The results thought as you seee in your own w=homes speak for themselves- flat, uniform, white ceilings, smooth, one color, no cracks or nail coming though..
Why Homeowners Choose Us for Ceiling Repairs
- Background-checked, vetted crew – Trusted in your home.
- Dust-free sanding – Using HEPA systems for clean air.
- Free color consultation – Perfect match for ceiling touch-ups.
- One-year free touch-ups – If anything reappears, we’ve got you.
- Referral Rewards – Our Give $200, Get $200 program thanks you for spreading the word.
Ready to Fix Ceiling Cracks?
Don’t live with ugly seams or cracks. If you’re in Huntley, Elgin, South Elgin, or St. Charles—we’re here to help.
📺 Watch our full ceiling repair video on D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube.
📞 Contact us today for your estimate.