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What to do if…
a new crack appears in a wall or ceiling and seems to be widening

Short answer

Treat a widening crack as a potential safety problem: keep people out of the area and arrange an urgent inspection. Call 911 if there are signs the structure could fail.

Do not do these things

  • Do not assume it’s “just settling” if it’s widening, lengthening, or changing quickly.
  • Do not cut into the wall/ceiling or pull off drywall to investigate (you could destabilize materials or hit electrical/gas/water lines).
  • Do not attempt DIY jacking, bracing, or removing supports.
  • Do not keep using the room normally if the crack is in a ceiling, near a beam/post, near stairs, or accompanied by sagging/bowing.
  • Do not let anyone start structural repairs without an assessment if there are signs of movement.

What to do now

  1. Decide if you need to leave immediately. Call 911 if any of these are true:
    • The ceiling is sagging/bulging, dropping debris, or you hear new cracking/popping sounds
    • A wall looks bowed, a doorway suddenly won’t close, or floors suddenly feel uneven
    • You think part of the building could collapse or materials could fall
  2. Create a “no-go zone.” Keep people and pets out of the room. If it’s a ceiling crack, don’t stand or sleep underneath it.
  3. Rule out urgent utility hazards (quickly, only if safe).
    • If you smell gas or suspect a leak: evacuate first. From outside, call 911 and/or your gas utility’s emergency number. Avoid flames and anything that could create a spark (for example, don’t operate electrical switches if you can avoid it).
    • If you see water leaking near the crack: shut off the main water if you can do so safely, and move valuables away.
  4. Document what you’re seeing (helps with professionals and insurance).
    • Take photos/video with a ruler/coin for scale.
    • Write down when it started, how fast it’s changing, and anything that might be related (storm, plumbing leak, nearby construction, earthquake).
  5. Mark and measure it so “widening” is clear.
    • Lightly mark the ends of the crack and date it.
    • Measure the widest point; re-check later the same day or next day if safe.
  6. Get an urgent inspection and notify the right authority if it may be unsafe.
    • If you rent: notify your landlord/property manager immediately in writing and request an urgent inspection. If you can’t get a timely response and you believe it may be unsafe, contact your city/county building department or code enforcement.
    • If you own: contact a licensed structural engineer for an assessment. If you believe there’s an immediate safety risk, call 911.
  7. Use a local reporting route if you need to flag an unsafe building condition.
    • Many places accept non-emergency building safety complaints via 311 (it varies by city). For example, in New York City, you can file certain building complaints by calling 311.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to figure out the cause (foundation, framing, moisture, drywall) right now—focus on safety + getting it assessed.
  • You don’t need to commit to repairs or sign contracts today.
  • You don’t need to settle fault/liability immediately; start with documentation and an independent inspection.

Important reassurance

Many cracks are cosmetic, but a crack that is clearly widening deserves prompt attention. Avoiding the area, documenting it, and getting qualified help is the safest way to protect everyone and prevent the situation from escalating.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance only. A widening crack can have multiple causes, and the right fix depends on a proper on-site assessment by qualified professionals and, if needed, your local building authority.

Important note

This is general information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of safety. If you think there is immediate danger, leave the area and call emergency services.

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