house is settling and outside wall is cracked
- Temperature changes can cause a house to settle, which commonly leads to cracks in the walls. Sandpaper, which can be used to smooth walls after repairing cracks. Drywall crack repair typically requires a utility knife. Joint compound can be used to fill and cover large cracks in plaster. How do I Repair Cracks in Walls? Cracks result when a wall moves and are usually due to the house settling; the building materials in a house expand and contract due to temperature changes, and the soil under the house can shift, both of which can cause cracks. Most are cosmetic problems that you can repair using a putty or epoxy filler of some kind.