Why Your Drywall Cracks Every Winter in Indiana
How to Keep Your Drywall from Cracking
It’s that time of year again, cold winds, icy roads, and... drywall cracks?
If you live in Indiana, especially in older homes around Goshen, you’ve likely noticed a familiar pattern: as soon as the thermostat drops, small cracks start to show up in your walls and ceilings. They might not be huge, but they’re annoying. And come spring, you’re patching and painting again.
Let’s pull back the curtain on why drywall cracks during the winter and how you can keep your walls smooth, strong, and stress-free even when it’s freezing outside.
Why Drywall Doesn’t Love Winter
First, let’s talk physics. When it gets cold, everything contracts, even your house. The wooden framing behind your drywall shrinks slightly, especially when the indoor air becomes dry due to the furnace running. That movement puts pressure on the seams and joints in your drywall, and voilà, cracks appear.
Add to that Indiana’s wild weather swings (we’ve all seen 60°F one day and 10°F the next), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for stress fractures.
But it’s not just the cold, it’s the dryness. The winter air in Goshen is incredibly dry, and once you heat it, the relative humidity indoors can plummet to desert-like levels. That dry air causes everything from creaky floors to chapped lips and, yes, brittle drywall.
Signs of Cold-Weather Cracking
You might notice some seasonal “open and close” cracks that pop up in January and then fade away by May. These cracks are usually caused by the natural movement of your house or truss uplift in your ceiling, which is quite common and nothing to worry about.
Most winter drywall cracks are harmless, but they sure know how to make an entrance. Look for:
Hairline cracks in ceiling corners
Diagonal lines from the tops of windows and doors
Tape seams peeling or bubbling
Tiny holes where nails or screws have popped
How to Keep Your Walls Happy This Winter
Want to fight back? Here’s how:
1. Keep Your Home’s Humidity in Check
A little moisture in the air goes a long way. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 35% and 50% in winter. Too low, and you risk cracks. Too high, and you risk condensation or mold.
If you have a whole-house humidifier, great, use it. If not, portable units work wonders in bedrooms and living areas. And yes, houseplants help, too.
2. Seal the Leaks
Drafty windows and doors allow freezing air to enter, which dries out your home even faster. Use weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation to stop that airflow and save money on your heating bill while you’re at it.
This also helps keep temperature swings more consistent indoors, which your drywall will thank you for.
3. Watch the Thermostat
Don’t crank the heat up and down all day. Sudden shifts in indoor temperature cause materials to expand and contract more rapidly.
A smart thermostat can help you maintain a steady, comfortable environment even while you're asleep or away.
4. Use Flexible Materials for Repairs
If you’re patching cracks, don’t just slap on joint compound and call it a day. Use flexible caulk or elastic joint fillers in areas prone to movement, such as corners or where the wall meets the ceiling.
This gives the area a little “give” during temperature swings and helps prevent future cracking.
5. Keep an Eye on Repeat Offenders
If a crack reappears every winter in the exact same spot, it might be more than just seasonal stress.
That could be a sign of truss uplift, framing shifts, or even minor settling in your home’s foundation. It’s worth getting it checked out, especially if it appears to be worsening each year.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
Some drywall cracks are simple fixes. Others... not so much.
If you’re dealing with cracks wider than 1/8 inch or you see signs of bowing, sagging, or major separation from seams or corners, it’s best to get a second opinion. And if your drywall is discolored, soft to the touch, or smells musty, there may be a hidden water leak or moisture issue behind the scenes.
At Custom Paint & Finish, we specialize in keeping Goshen homes looking their best, season after season. We don’t just cover up cracks, we get to the root of the problem. That means better materials, smarter techniques, and long-lasting results that hold up through every winter thaw and spring bloom.
Your Free Quote Is One Call Away
Thinking of giving your walls some extra care this winter?
Reach out to Custom Paint & Finish for a friendly, no-obligation estimate on drywall repair, patching, or inspection. We're here to help make your space feel warm and welcoming!
