The house is two story wood frame built in 2001 in Northern California.

Usually it has to do with humidity swings.. the sheetrock contracts slightly when it gets really dry. I have the same issues in Virginia in a house built in the early 60's. If I don't run a humidifier in winter due to natural gas heat.

Weather changes and settlement. How big(wide) and long are they. Post a picture if possible.

Usually it has to do with humidity swings.. the sheetrock contracts slightly when it gets really dry. I have the same issues in Virginia in a house built in the early 60's. If I don't run a humidifier in winter due to natural gas heat.

Thanks, I'll look into that although the climate here is pretty dry year round. We haven't noticed when the cracks form so perhaps we can monitor that.

So many variables. Framing wasn't dry, or house was built during a very humid time. Poor roof construction, or cellar floor sinking, or any number of such things. Have you gone over the entire house top to bottom, inside and out?

Weather changes and settlement. How big(wide) and long are they. Post a picture if possible.

They vary from about 6 to 12 inches long. Here are the worst.

So many variables. Framing wasn't dry, or house was built during a very humid time. Poor roof construction, or cellar floor sinking, or any number of such things. Have you gone over the entire house top to bottom, inside and out?

Yes, there are no other signs of settlement or foundation cracking. House is essentially on rock at 1300 feet elevation on a hillside. Some cracks are on exterior walls on east side, some on an interior wall.

Is that textured paint or textured skimcoat? How far in can you get a toothpick?

Is that textured paint or textured skimcoat? How far in can you get a toothpick?

It's skimcoat. Worst case is 1/8 inch or less. Most seem to go no deeper than the paint, skimcoat, and maybe the paper on the drywall.

That is a pretty typical picture of wall shifting, the house is racking slightly. If the doors are able to open and close properly, use a good grade of siliconized acrylic caulk and fill them in.

Doesn't sound serious, not going through the skimcoat.
Half pint of latex reinforced plaster repair and a putty knife.

Doesn't sound serious, not going through the skimcoat.
Half pint of latex reinforced plaster repair and a putty knife.

Thanks, I'll try that.


That is a pretty typical picture of wall shifting, the house is racking slightly. If the doors are able to open and close properly, use a good grade of siliconized acrylic caulk and fill them in.

Thanks.