What to Do About Foundation Cracks
Learn to identify different types of foundation cracks and when they require professional repair.
"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."— Winston Churchill
Discovering a crack in your home's foundation can be alarming, but not all cracks are a cause for major concern. It's important to be able to distinguish between minor, non-structural cracks and those that indicate a serious problem with your foundation's integrity. Regular inspection is key to catching issues early.
Small, vertical cracks are often the result of concrete curing or minor settling and are typically not a structural threat. These are known as shrinkage cracks. However, even small cracks can allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space, so they should be sealed. You can monitor them by marking the ends of the crack with a pencil and dating it; if the crack grows, it’s time to call a professional.
The cracks that demand immediate attention are horizontal cracks or "stair-step" cracks in concrete block walls. These types of cracks are often a sign of significant hydrostatic pressure (pressure from water in the soil) pushing against the foundation. This can cause the wall to bow inward and can lead to structural failure if not addressed. Any crack that is wider than a quarter-inch, is growing in length, or has one side that is higher than the other is a serious red flag. In these cases, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or foundation repair specialist to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.