Cracks & Structural Damage
Cracks in a new home can be alarming, but many are normal results of the home settling and materials adjusting to temperature and humidity changes. This guide helps you understand which cracks are concerning and what's covered under warranty.
New homes contain materials that naturally shrink as they dry:
- Lumber loses moisture and shrinks
- Concrete cures and contracts
- Drywall is attached to wood that moves
This is normal and expected. Most cracks are cosmetic, not structural.
Is This Crack a Problem?
Use this flowchart to evaluate if a crack is concerning and whether it's covered.
Identify Your Issue
Wall or Ceiling Cracks (Drywall)
Common Causes:
- Wood framing shrinkage as lumber dries
- Normal settling of the home
- Temperature and humidity changes
- Stress at corners of windows and doors
Types of Cracks:
- Hairline cracks: Very thin, often at corners of doors/windows - normal settling
- Nail pops: Circular bumps where nail heads push through - lumber shrinkage
- Seam cracks: Along drywall joints - normal movement
- Larger cracks: May indicate more significant movement - worth monitoring
Try This First:
- Measure and photograph the crack
- Note the location and direction
- Monitor for changes over 2 to 3 months
- Hairline cracks can be touched up with paint; larger cracks with spackle
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage cracks, nail pops, seams | Yes | One-time | Courtesy repair (recommend scheduling after 10 months) |
| Cracks visible only under certain lighting | No | — | Excluded |
| Cracks after custom paint/wallpaper | Partial | — | Classic will repair drywall; you're responsible for custom finishes |
One-Time Drywall Repair: Classic Homes offers one courtesy drywall repair during the warranty period. We recommend scheduling this after living in the home for about 10 months to allow initial settling to occur. We will:
- Repair shrinkage cracks
- Fix nail pops
- Touch up with original paint color
Note: Touch-ups may be visible. Repainting entire walls for a perfect match is homeowner's choice and responsibility.
Detailed Info: Drywall | Expansion & Contraction
Foundation Cracks
Common Causes:
- Concrete curing and shrinkage (normal)
- Soil settlement
- Temperature changes
- Water pressure against foundation
Types of Foundation Cracks:
- Hairline cracks: Common, usually cosmetic, no repair needed
- Vertical cracks: Often from shrinkage, usually not structural
- Horizontal cracks: More concerning, may indicate pressure
- Stair-step cracks: In block foundations, may indicate movement
- Cracks allowing water entry: Need attention regardless of size
Try This First:
- Photograph and measure the crack
- Note if crack is allowing water to enter
- Check exterior grading - is soil sloped away from foundation?
- Monitor crack for changes over time
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks allowing water entry | Yes | Structural | If grading/landscaping maintained |
| Cosmetic foundation cracks | No | — | Normal shrinkage |
| Visible seams between pours | No | — | Cosmetic, no repair needed |
| Slight honeycombing | No | — | Unless allowing water entry |
Important: Maintaining proper drainage is essential. If you alter the grading or landscaping in a way that directs water toward the foundation, warranty coverage may be voided.
Detailed Info: Foundation
Concrete Flatwork Cracks (Driveway, Sidewalk, Patio)
Common Causes:
- Concrete shrinkage (normal - control joints are placed to control where cracks occur)
- Soil settlement
- Tree roots
- Heavy loads
- Freeze-thaw cycles
Understanding Control Joints: Those lines cut into your concrete are intentional "control joints" designed to encourage cracking to occur in a straight, controlled line rather than randomly across the slab.
Try This First:
- Note if crack is at a control joint (expected) or random (potential issue)
- Measure crack width
- Check for settlement (one side higher than other)
- Look for tripping hazards
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks > 3/16" wide | Yes | 1 year | Beyond normal shrinkage |
| Cracks causing >3/8" vertical displacement | Yes | 1 year | Tripping hazard |
| Settling under exterior concrete | Yes | 1 year | Will fill visible sunken areas |
| Normal shrinkage cracks at control joints | No | — | Expected behavior |
| Surface scaling/spalling | Varies | 1 year | May be installation or maintenance related |
| Discoloration | No | — | Normal variation |
Maintenance: Seal concrete periodically. Avoid using deicing salts during first winter.
Detailed Info: Concrete Flatwork
Floor Cracks (Basement/Garage Slab)
Common Causes:
- Concrete shrinkage
- Soil settlement beneath slab
- Heavy loads
Try This First:
- Note crack width and location
- Check if water is coming through crack
- Monitor for changes
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks > 3/16" wide | Yes | 1 year | Beyond normal shrinkage |
| Water entry through floor cracks | Yes | Structural | If drainage maintained |
| Normal shrinkage cracks | No | — | Expected |
Detailed Info: Concrete Flatwork | Foundation
Nail Pops
What They Are: Small circular bumps or craters in drywall where nail/screw heads have pushed through the surface.
Why They Happen: As lumber dries and shrinks, fasteners may push out slightly.
Try This First:
- Note locations
- Wait to report - best to allow settling before one-time repair
- For DIY repair: tap nail below surface, apply spackle, sand when dry, paint
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail pops | Yes | One-time | Part of courtesy drywall repair |
Recommendation: Wait until 10+ months in home before requesting one-time drywall repair to address multiple nail pops at once.
Detailed Info: Drywall
Understanding Expansion & Contraction
Your home is made of materials that expand and contract with:
- Temperature changes: Materials expand when warm, contract when cold
- Humidity changes: Wood absorbs moisture and swells, releases moisture and shrinks
- Seasonal cycles: Most visible during first 1 to 2 years
This is why you may notice:
- Gaps appearing in winter, closing in summer
- Slight separations at corners and joints
- Door fit changing with seasons
- More cracks in very dry or humid conditions
This is normal and not a defect.
Detailed Info: Expansion & Contraction
When to Be Concerned
Contact Classic Homes if you notice:
- Cracks that grow significantly over weeks (not months)
- Water entering through cracks
- Doors or windows suddenly won't open/close
- Floors noticeably out of level
- Large horizontal cracks in foundation
- Cracks accompanied by bulging walls
When to Request Service
For Drywall:
- Schedule one-time repair after 10 months for best results
- Note all locations of cracks and nail pops
For Foundation/Concrete:
- Report cracks allowing water entry promptly
- Report significant cracks (>3/16") or displacement (>3/8")
- Document with photos and measurements
Have Ready:
- Photos with measurements showing crack size
- How long you've noticed the issue
- Whether it seems to be growing
- Any water intrusion