Wondering what caused that crack, stain, or hole in your wall? Learn the top causes of drywall damage and how Total Home Water Restoration repairs it fast and right in Grove City, OH.

What causes drywall damage in homes?

Drywall & Ceiling Repair FAQs
December 06, 2025•3 min read

FAQ: What Causes Drywall Damage in Homes?

If you’re seeing cracks, stains, or sagging drywall, you’re not alone—and it’s not always your fault. At Total Home Water Restoration, we fix drywall and ceiling issues every week in Grove City, Columbus, and nearby areas like Hilliard, Dublin, and Reynoldsburg.

Let’s break down the most common reasons you might be seeing damage on your walls or ceiling—and what to do about it.

Top Causes of Drywall Damage

1. Water Leaks

This is the big one. If a pipe bursts behind your wall or your roof leaks, water can quickly soak into drywall. That leads to:

  • Brown stains

  • Sagging or bubbling

  • Soft, crumbly spots

Code tip: Per IRC R702.3.8, any water-damaged gypsum board must be removed and replaced, not covered up.

We always inspect beyond the surface—because if the leak isn’t fixed, the damage just comes back.

2. Foundation Settling and Seasonal Shifts

Cracks near windows, doors, or ceilings? That’s often your house shifting slightly with the seasons. Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles don’t help.

Small hairline cracks are common, but if you see wide cracks or bulging, it may be more serious. We’ll tell you straight.

3. Impact Damage

Kids, furniture, doorknobs, or an accidental punch through the wall—these leave:

  • Holes and dents

  • Crushed corners

  • Broken seams

We can patch it cleanly so you’d never know it happened.

4. Poor Installation or Cheap Materials

If your drywall seams are showing or corners keep cracking, it may be because the original job was rushed or materials were sub-par. We use quality board, proper fasteners, and never cut corners.

How We Fix Drywall the Right Way

At Total Home Water Restoration, we handle:

  • Full drywall replacement after water or mold damage

  • Ceiling repairs after leaks or structural issues

  • Crack and hole patching with color-matching and texture blending

  • Finishing and painting so it looks brand new

We follow local codes, and we treat your home like it’s our own.

Real Talk from the Job Site

We once got a call from a homeowner in Hilliard who had a sagging ceiling in their kitchen. Turned out, a slow roof leak soaked the insulation and drywall. We:

  • Tarped the roof to stop more water

  • Removed the wet ceiling

  • Dried and disinfected the area

  • Replaced the drywall and matched the ceiling texture perfectly

They were cooking dinner again in three days.

Live in Central Ohio? We’ve Got You.

From Grove City to Westerville, if you’ve got drywall issues, we’ll find the cause and fix it right—the first time.

📍 Total Home Water Restoration
4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

FAQ: Should I worry about small drywall cracks?
If they’re hairline and don’t grow over time, probably not. But if they keep spreading or show up near doors/windows, get them checked. Could be a sign of settling or moisture.

FAQ: What if I just paint over the damage?
You’re only hiding the symptom. Water or mold damage behind drywall will get worse. Always fix the cause first.

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.

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