Most homeowners tend to ignore their foundation and then panic when they notice cracks. Foundation cracks are a common issue in every home. Hairline cracks stem from foundation movement and settling, whereas larger or growing cracks signal a deeper issue and shouldn’t be ignored.
Understanding the different types and causes of foundation cracks, as well as knowing when to take necessary action, helps homeowners avoid costly repairs in the future. This blog highlights the different types of cracks and helps you distinguish minor issues from structural concerns. Once you identify serious cracks, contact professionals such as Bluebird Foundation Repair of Michigan to inspect the foundation thoroughly. With preventive measures and professional help, you can protect your foundation’s health and your home’s structural integrity.
Causes of Foundation Cracks
Foundations are affected by different components, mainly natural processes and construction conditions. New homes naturally settle over time as the concrete and the home’s structure adjust to the changes in soil. Small shifts will result in hairline cracks in the walls and slabs.
Soil movement is another factor impacting the foundation. Expansive clay soil or poorly compacted soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels, creating pressure against the foundation. Poor soil compaction during construction can also lead to uneven settling.
Water is the next component affecting the foundation’s health. Hydrostatic pressure from the groundwater accumulation around the foundation pushes the basement walls and causes cracking. Water from heavy rainfall or snow, plumbing leaks, or improper drainage often pools around the foundation, affecting the soil and exerting pressure on the foundation.
Improper landscape grading causes water pooling, whereas tree roots growing too close to the house can shift the soil and damage the foundation. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods also cause foundation cracks due to sudden shifts or soil saturation.
The quality of materials and construction affects foundation health. Rushed work, poor materials, or a lack of reinforcement can make a foundation prone to future damage.
Understanding these factors is important to prevent foundation issues and identify cracks that pose a serious threat to the home’s integrity.
Types of Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks vary in size, shape, and severity. Here is a breakdown of the most common cracks and the issues they indicate:
Hairline Cracks
These are very thin cracks (often less than ⅛ inch) found in basement floors and walls. They usually form during the initial settlement and curing of the concrete. They are usually just cosmetic issues that do not affect the home’s safety. However, monitor them regularly to make sure they do not widen or let water into the foundation.
Vertical Cracks
These run up and down the foundation walls and are caused by natural settling of the home. Generally, they are less concerning than horizontal or diagonal cracks. However, cracks with wide openings at the bottom or top and accompanied by moisture might require immediate sealing or professional attention.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are more serious cracks that run sideways along basement walls. They are caused by hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding saturated soil. When ignored for too long, they can cause bowing walls, wall failure, and structural damage.
Diagonal Cracks
These are cracks found at the corners of doors and windows. Uneven settling or shifting of soil often affects the home’s frame and causes these cracks. Narrow, small cracks might not be serious, but long and widening cracks could indicate soil issues or foundation movement. Consider contacting reliable foundation repair experts to inspect your foundation and offer a no-obligation consultation.
Stair-Step Cracks
These cracks appear in block foundations as they follow mortar joints in a stair step pattern. They are warning signs of foundation movement and settlement. If you notice these cracks widening, accompanied by bulging walls or appearing in the corners, they indicate serious problems that shouldn’t be ignored.
Each crack is different, and its size, pattern, and location help determine whether it is a cosmetic issue or an indicator of structural damage.
When is a Crack Normal vs When to Worry?
Not all foundation cracks are a reason for panic. Some are just cosmetic and non-structural cracks that appear in new homes, while others indicate serious structural damage. Here’s how to distinguish between the two:
Normal (Non-Structural Cracks)
Any crack below ⅛ inch that doesn’t grow or widen over time is considered a cosmetic issue. Regularly monitor these cracks and make sure there is no water intrusion, mold, or musty smell around them. Non-structural cracks or cosmetic cracks are normal within 1-2 years of home construction. They result from concrete curing, home settling, or minor soil changes. They should be monitored, but do not require immediate action.
Structural Cracks
Cracks wider than ¼ inch that change direction or widen over time are a cause of worry. Bowing or bulging walls are a sign of foundation movement, settlement, or external elements putting pressure on the foundation. If you notice water leaks, dampness, or efflorescence in walls, windows and doors not operating properly, or gaps between walls and ceiling/floors, it is a sign to get professional help.
These signs indicate active movement and structural damage and should be addressed with professional expertise.
Tips for Monitoring
While monitoring gaps or cracks, take a pencil to mark the ends of the crack and note the date. Check the crack every few weeks or months. If the crack grows, call a professional immediately for inspection. They will identify hidden issues and suggest the best solution to protect your foundation.
What To Do When You Find a Crack
Take these practical steps if you find cracks in your foundation:
- Gather important tools, such as a torch, pencil, notepad, and tape measure.
- Document the crack. Take clear pictures and measure the length and width of the crack. Note the date and location.
- Monitor the cracks. Check every few weeks or months. Log the changes if the crack grows or changes over time.
- Seal the cracks. Non-structural cracks, especially hairline cracks, can be sealed with concrete crack filler, epoxy injection, or sealants to prevent water intrusion.
- Address moisture issues. If water is entering through the cracks, waterproofing solutions might be required. Use interior sealants or exterior drainage solutions to prevent leaks.
- Call the professionals. If the crack is growing, changing, or accompanied by other warning signs such as bowing walls or leaks, call a professional foundation repair service. For structural issues, it is highly advised to consult with structural engineers or foundation specialists. They use advanced methods, such as thermal imaging, moisture meters, and structural analysis, to identify underlying issues and causes.
Early detection can help you prevent major, expensive problems.
How to Protect Your Foundation
The best way to protect your foundation is to prevent cracks from happening in the first place. Take these measures to safeguard your home.
- Ensure proper drainage by sloping the ground around your home. This prevents water from pooling around the foundation.
- Clean gutters and downspouts frequently to prevent water buildup.
- Install a sump pump and French drains if your basement is prone to flooding.
- Avoid overwatering lawns or gardens near your foundation’s perimeter.
- Plant trees and shrubs away from the home to prevent root interference and damage to the foundation.
- Inspect your foundation every few months and schedule an annual professional inspection to detect cracking and movement early and prevent serious damage.
These measures extend the life of your foundation and protect your home from structural damage.
Understanding Foundation Cracks
While every crack in the foundation is not a red flag, no crack should be ignored for too long. Small cracks are common in newer homes, but larger and changing cracks indicate more serious issues.
Early detection is the best defense for your foundation. Understanding different types of cracks, their causes, when to repair, and when to call professionals is essential to protect the foundation’s longevity. Regular inspections, waterproofing methods, and simple maintenance can prevent minor cracks from turning into major structural problems.