Is It Normal To See Studs Through Your Walls?

Seeing studs through your walls? Before you panic, it could just be a minor cosmetic issue that can be fixed with a little bit of paint. But, it could also be a sign of a deeper problem, especially if you notice cracks or moisture. Keep reading to learn why you see studs through your walls, plus helpful tips for recognizing when seeing studs through your walls is purely cosmetic vs. a larger issue.

Why You See Studs Through Your Walls

According to Ralph Peralta, owner and president of Sunset Coatings Stucco and Paint, seeing studs through your walls occurs when there’s a difference in temperature, moisture, or surface texture over the framing.

“Wood studs create what we call thermal bridges, so the drywall over the studs can be either warmer or cooler than the insulated cavities,” he explains.

This temperature difference, he adds, can make the framing visible, especially in bright light or if the wall is painted dark or with a high-sheen paint.

Additionally, Peralta says: “Poor drywall finishing, such as inadequate feathering or sanding or fastener depressions, can cause the framing pattern to telegraph through the paint.”

How to Know When It’s a Bigger Problem

The good news is if the drywall is dry and solid and the pattern has been consistent for years, the issue is often just cosmetic and related to thermal bridging or finishing. But Peralta warns if it’s a new or growing issue, it may be a sign of a deeper problem.

“If the pattern is new or becoming more pronounced, however, I’d look for moisture, insulation deficiencies, or changes in the wall assembly before treating it as a paint problem,” he advises.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Before you treat visible stud lines as a cosmetic issue with a fresh coat of paint, Peralta says to watch for these warning signs.

• Stud outlines with stains or discoloration

• Areas of bubbling or peeling paint

Peralta says that if you see any of these warning signs, you should have a professional take a look. The type of contractor you call matters, too.

“A painting contractor can determine whether the issue is related to surface preparation and paint, but for moisture, insulation, or structural concerns, you’ll likely need a general contractor,” he explains.

Tips To Cover Up Cosmetic Studs

If you’re confident the studs you’re seeing are cosmetic, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind.

• Prep the area by repairing uneven spots, skim-coating (only if needed), sanding, cleaning, and priming.

• If the stud outline is particularly noticeable, choose a flat sheen rather than satin, semi-gloss, or gloss.

• Check for larger issues that could be at play first, like thermal bridging, inadequate insulation, or moisture problems.

Read the original article on Southern Living