The Crown Molding Is Cracked in My Home

Cracks in Crown Moldings

We recently received a phone call from one of our past clients who had purchased a new construction home.  They have been in the home for about 10 months and have noticed cracks in the joints of the crown moldings.

They called us concerned that it might be a foundation issue. While cracks in the molding can be a sign of foundation issues, it’s not usually the case in recent construction. It is usually caused by the molding “drying” as the home ages.

All wood contains moisture. While the builder usually allows the molding to acclimate prior to putting it up, the molding will still shrink as it dries. The shrinking of the molding causes the joints to separate and appear to be cracked.

The good news is it’s an easy fix. The open joints can be sealed with caulk and touch-up paint restoring the molding to its original look.

If the home is still covered by the builder’s warranty, the builder may come out and take care of the repair. If not, it can easily be handled by the homeowner or a local handyman.

Click here for a list of handymen in the North Dallas area.

Tom and Gina Signatures

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