Cracks in walls and ceilings: when should you be alarmed?

It's very common for cracks to appear in the walls or ceilings of homes , both in new and older construction, due to the passage of time . What should you do if you find one of these flaws in your home? What should you do?

The truth is that most often these are superficial cracks that, although visually disturbing, do not represent serious structural problems. However, it is essential to know how to identify the type of crack and its progression to determine whether immediate action is necessary.

As the insurance company MAPFRE points out, their appearance is an indication of an anomaly and requires an expert to see them to correctly identify them, know what type of problem it implies and what actions must be taken to solve it.

Special attention should be paid to the following situations:

• Cracks that run diagonally or in a stair-like pattern may indicate significant structural movement. • Displacement cracks, i.e., if one part of the wall has shifted relative to another, may indicate a structural problem. • Cracks that run completely through the wall or through which a pencil could be inserted. • Cracks affecting structural elements (pillars, beams, or load-bearing walls) are especially concerning. • Cracks that increase in size rapidly over a short period. (READ MORE: What happens if I only have 900 weeks of Colpensiones contributions? What you should know )

In all these cases, you should seek professional intervention as soon as possible to resolve the problem structurally and avoid further complications.

It's also important to know that a crack is a small superficial crack that affects only the materials used for wall covering, such as cement, plaster, or paint. Therefore, it does not pose a risk to the structural stability of the home and can be easily repaired.

A crack, on the other hand, is a deeper opening that runs through the thickness of the wall. They are generally caused by ground movements, differential settlements, vibrations, or structural overloads. In this regard, architects agree on the importance of paying attention to certain signs that may indicate a crack requires professional intervention.

(READ MORE: This spider is super dangerous to humans: how can you identify it? ) What to do if you find a crack?

If you notice a crack with the above characteristics, it is best to follow these steps:

1) Do not attempt to repair it yourself: avoid applying fillers or sealants without professional guidance, as this may hide the real problem.

2) Monitor the crack: Mark its edges with a pencil and note the date of the observation. This will help determine if the crack is growing over time.

3) Consult a professional: Contact a technical architect or structural engineer to evaluate the crack and determine its cause and severity.

4) Inform the community: If you live in a multi-unit building, report the appearance of the crack to the community president and your neighbors to verify if it is a widespread problem.