“Any tips for a first-time home owner fixing up a bathroom crack with just drywall compound?”
Asked by Tim Francois 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 14, 2024
I’m a new homeowner tackling a fixer upper and I want to renovate the bathroom this winter. Do you think using just drywall compound would be enough to fix this crack? I’m not totally sure.
A flipper might consider
First things first, I would start by ruling out any foundation issues caused by that big crack.
Definitely
I’m not entirely convinced that vertical cracks mean there’s a problem with the foundation, as they’re typically horizontal.
However, it’s still a good idea to have the foundation checked out. Cracks don’t appear out of nowhere.
Indeed, seeing cracks in the top corners of windows or doors may suggest a problem with the foundation.
It really just comes down to the size of the crack. Most of the time, it’s just from the house settling. ‘t believe everything you hear.
He was definitely speaking his mind… and he wasn’t wrong.
Hey, if it’s a two-story house, maybe the top floor isn’t supported properly. I remember seeing a crack like that once, and that was the issue.
Two structural engineers examined our 1865 house and both agreed that diagonal cracks above doors and windows usually don’t indicate foundation issues. However, a vertical crack like the one in the picture warrants a foundation check, especially since it’s affecting the door frame. See the picture for the diagonal crack reference.
I’ve always heard the same advice. Every house moves, but the extent and time frame vary. Quarter-inch cracks could signal a major issue, while small ones may not be as concerning. The cracks in the photos seem problematic.
I mentioned can be an indicator. You know what can lead to houses shifting? Foundation problems. There could be several reasons for cracks, but definitely inspect the foundation.
Take a closer look at the wall behind the door opening – it seems to be separating from the ceiling. It looks like there have been previous attempts to fix this ‘settling issue’. Further back, there’s another unattractive repair on the ceiling that seems to be failing. I agree, this area definitely needs a more thorough inspection.
Do you know what led to this?
Tere established the foundation
Absolutely. Simply repairing the crack won’t address the underlying cause of why it happened. It’s important to fix the root issue.
There might be a few structural issues at play here. It could be that the wood didn’t withstand for various reasons like rot or poor initial construction. Alternatively, it could be a foundation problem.
It’s even worse when the issue is addressed but the problem still remains. That’s a red flag.
Have you experienced an earthquake lately? How long has this crack been here? Are there any other cracks like it nearby? Do the doors and windows open easily and are they square? How uneven are the floors? What do the basement or crawl space walls look like – any similar cracks? Avoid just filling with mud or caulk and covering it up as a solution.
It seems like the house has settled. It appears quite aged.
Perhaps, but I’d need to have these questions addressed before starting or redoing any work.
It’s quite obvious, I’ve seen it many times. The house may need to be raised and pillars installed.
All true. I’d like to understand why things have shifted, has this been a gradual change over time as you mentioned, or did it happen recently? It might indicate larger structural issues. I’d rather investigate thoroughly and make the necessary repairs correctly the first time, rather than starting something and later discovering it’s a major problem. A single picture doesn’t reveal much. That’s why I’m asking so many questions, which are questions the homeowner should also be asking. Before proceeding with finishing work, ensure that the foundation of the house is solid. If not, address the issues before proceeding with finishing touches.
You’re too much 😂 😂 you remind me of a Karen
Hey Chris, me too
Hey Kelly, I really appreciate your help with the pronunciation. Your opinion is valuable.
Hey Chris, did you mean spelling, you silly goose?
Nope, I spelled it right, silly. I bet you don’t know how to do anything on this page. Does that make you an ignoramus on this page? Definitely! 😂😂💯 – Karen
That’s so silly 😂
You’re like someone I wouldn’t trust to work on my house.
I would definitely steer clear of working on your house 💯 you’re definitely one of those homeowners
*you are
Just use latex caulk.
Studying for exams can be challenging but rewarding in the end.
The new restaurant in town is receiving great reviews.
I am excited to travel to Europe next month.
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You can use latex caulk and then paint over it.
What’s up with that wall? Does it look like that on purpose?
Whenever you start a repair project, there always seems to be additional tasks that crop up. Be prepared to invest extra time, patience, and money.
How is the foundation holding up?
That crack looks pretty significant. I suggest having it inspected before attempting to repair or conceal it.
I’m worried that this may be a major issue, considering the entire door frame has split in half. I would recommend checking the joists in the ceiling and under the subfloor if possible. It seems like there has been a shift in the foundation, causing an unusual amount of weight. Also, there appears to be a bulging wall support near the ceiling.
My sister-in-law once had a crack similar to this, but it turned out to be a significant structural problem (almost on the verge of collapsing). It’s especially alarming since it’s located next to a door and the crack extends into the trim, not just the drywall. They had their house inspected, but the structural issue was overlooked, so they were able to sue for the repair costs.
Fix the foundation initially.
Also, check the foundation for any issues.
I might be crazy, but it seems like there are about 8 million layers of paint and old plaster. It would be great to get a closer look at the crack to see if it’s affecting the molding underneath and how deep it goes. It might be worth using a stripper and scraper to uncover what’s really going on under those layers. Just a thought!
I understand your concern. It seems like there’s a lot of plaster, drywall mud, and spackling happening repeatedly. I would definitely want to investigate further!
The wall seems to be bowing away from the door frame, so that’s the first thing to investigate. I would guess that something has shifted or sagged. How long have you owned the house? It’s possible that something was removed that shouldn’t have been, or another change has occurred. I recommend checking everything below this area, all the way to the foundation, to make sure it’s all in order. You might want to consider getting professional assistance on this, as it seems more serious than usual.
Thanks for the feedback! This is the most affordable house for sale right now. It’s pretty funny looking – bad foundation, crooked floors, cracks, and holes everywhere. Plus, every inch of the place is covered in a million layers of paint! But hey, it’s still better than renting.
Hey guys, you should check out mine…the previous owners who had it were idiots, they took out a wall that supports the structure! It’s been an interesting 2 years fixing different parts of the house, replacing beams, and rebuilding that wall. But we got the house for a great price…we were looking for a home to fix up and live in…and we certainly got it 🤣
Did you know when you bought it, or did you find out later? If it was a surprise, were you able to get any help from the seller or was it sold “AS-IS”?
We didn’t know beforehand, but it was also sold as-is. The foundation is solid, thank goodness! It’s a two-story home on a spacious lot with a fenced-in backyard and a large two-car garage. We snagged it at a great price because the previous owner needed a quick sale to move into their new house! 😄
Congrats on your new home! We ended up buying our first home when our landlord decided to sell the place we were renting. Dealt with a flooded basement every time it rained, so we found a better option for the same price. Just remember, now that it’s yours, you have the power to control costs by doing some research and tackling some DIY projects. Our first home ended up selling for double what we paid, so it’s definitely an investment, but there’s a bit of a learning curve.
I recommend using a 40-year white silicone caulk on that crack. I’ve seen much worse cracks disappear with it. And remember to account for shrinkage!
I totally get what you’re saying! We often joke that we were chosen by God to live in this house because no one else could manage it! However, our contractor/friend insists that we essentially paid for our 2 acres and got a house for free, so there’s that 👍
One of the best moments is when you acknowledged my achievement!
How on earth did that manage to pass inspection?! 🤯
Looks like someone didn’t quite know how to frame properly to start. Could use more pictures of the hinge side to see how the other door connects to this damaged side. Check the floor with a level. It might be a sagging problem, possibly caused by a post sinking into the ground in the crawlspace. Might need to be raised and have a larger footer installed with a new post cut to size.
Make sure to address the structural issues before focusing on cosmetic repairs, otherwise the issue will just reoccur.
I can’t quite tell if you’re being serious or not. I initially thought you were joking, but the comments seem pretty sincere.
What reason would he have for joking?
Caulk
Just caulk it, the foundation will crack every year, that’s just the way it goes. A lot of houses in Central Texas experience this problem because the ground shifts frequently.
To get the best bang for your buck, start by removing any old caulk and replacing it with a caulk that can be painted over. Over time, it may crack again so the trick is to use paintable caulk and touch up as necessary. There are pricier solutions available, but they require more expertise. Honestly, most homeowners opt for the caulk and paint method. I personally recommend using “painters friend” brand of paintable caulk. For more helpful hints like this, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, “The Home Tips Show” at http://www.YouTube.com/@thehometipsshow
Nah, just caulk it and paint it. I’ve done this so many times, hardly ever have to come back and re-caulk. Oh, and don’t forget to use “structural caulking” – that good stuff!
Sand it down to make it smooth. Use latex caulk to fill it in, and you may need to apply 2 or 3 times. Make sure to wait 24 hours between each application. Also, be sure to check for any bigger problems.