April 24, 2025
Cracked drywall can be frustrating. One day, your walls look smooth and perfect. The next, you notice thin lines creeping across the surface. You may wonder—what’s causing this? And more importantly, how do you stop it?
If you live in Edmonton, the weather is a big part of the problem. Our cold winters and warm summers make drywall expand and contract throughout the year. Over time, this movement weakens the material, leading to cracks.
You’re not alone in this struggle. Many homeowners in Edmonton deal with drywall cracking. The good news? You can prevent and fix these cracks with the right approach. Let’s dive into why this happens and how professional drywall contractors can help.
Before we get into Edmonton’s climate, let’s talk about drywall itself. What makes it crack?
Drywall is a thin, strong material used for walls and ceilings. It has a gypsum core, which is a type of soft mineral. This core is covered with layers of paper or fibreglass. While drywall is durable, it’s not flexible.
When the material moves too much, it splits apart. That’s when you see cracks.
Not all cracks look the same. Here are the most common ones:
Edmonton’s weather isn’t drywall-friendly. Our cold winters, dry indoor air, and warm summers create the perfect conditions for cracking.
Winters in Edmonton are harsh. Temperatures can drop below -30°C. That’s enough to contract (shrink) building materials—including drywall.
As drywall shrinks, it pulls away from nails, screws, and joints. This weakens the surface and causes small cracks to appear.
In winter, we use heaters and furnaces to stay warm. This dries out the air inside your home. Dry air sucks moisture from drywall, making it even more brittle.
The drier the drywall, the easier it breaks. That’s why you see more cracks during the winter months.
When summer arrives, the heat and humidity cause drywall to swell. This wouldn’t be a problem—except that it just finished shrinking all winter!
The constant cycle of shrinking in winter and expanding in summer creates stress. Over time, drywall weakens and cracks form.
Edmonton’s weather is unpredictable. It’s not unusual for the temperature to jump by 20°C in a day. These sudden shifts make building materials expand and contract too quickly, leading to cracks.
You can’t change the weather, but you can protect your walls. Here are some simple ways to stop drywall from cracking.
Drywall hates extreme moisture changes. The best way to prevent cracking is to keep humidity levels stable.
➡ Use a humidifier in winter to stop the air from getting too dry.
➡ Use a dehumidifier in summer to remove excess moisture.
➡ Keep humidity between 30% and 50%—this is the ideal range for drywall.
If drywall isn’t installed properly, it will crack no matter what.
✔️ Use the Right Screws – Make sure drywall is securely fastened to prevent movement.
✔️ Apply Enough Joint Compound – This helps reinforce seams so they don’t split apart.
✔️ Leave Space for Expansion – Drywall needs a tiny gap at the edges to expand without cracking.
If you’re not sure how to do this, hiring experienced drywall contractors can save you time and frustration.
Catching small cracks early can prevent bigger problems. Walk through your home every few months and check your walls.
✔️ Look around door frames and windows – These areas crack first.
✔️ Check ceiling corners – Drywall in ceilings moves more than in walls.
✔️ Watch for cracks near heating vents – Warm air can dry out drywall fast.
If you already have drywall cracks, don’t ignore them. Small cracks can grow larger if left untreated.
How to fix small cracks:
✔ Fill with joint compound – Let it dry, then sand it smooth.
✔ Use flexible caulk – This is great for cracks near windows and doors.
✔ Repaint the area – A fresh coat of paint seals the repair and looks great.
For large or deep cracks, call drywall contractors. They can assess whether it’s just cosmetic damage or if there’s a bigger issue behind the walls.
Sometimes, DIY repairs aren’t enough. Here’s when you should bring in an expert:
✔ Cracks keep coming back – This means there’s an underlying issue that needs fixing.
✔ Cracks are large or wide – Anything over ⅛ inch should be checked.
✔ You see bulging or uneven drywall – This could mean the drywall is separating from the studs.
Professional drywall contractors can diagnose the problem and use the right materials to stop it from happening again.
At Truerock Interior Systems, we specialize in drywall installation, steel stud framing, ceiling services, and insulation. Since 2013, we’ve helped Edmonton homeowners and businesses create strong, beautiful interiors.
Whether you need new drywall or expert repairs, we deliver quality you can trust. Call us today to get started on your project!
