In this article, we provide detailed descriptions of the most common types of foundation cracks, accompanied by exclusive images captured during our work as foundation repair professionals. For each crack type, we discuss its appearance, causes, potential implications, and recommended repair methods.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Horizontal Foundation Cracks
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Appearance: Horizontal cracks run parallel to the ground.
Causes: Soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure.
Implications: Horizontal cracks are particularly concerning, as they often signal severe structural threats caused by external pressures, such as soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure. These cracks require urgent attention to prevent significant damage to your home’s structural integrity.
Repair Options: Repair options may include drainage system installation and epoxy injections. For horizontal foundation cracks, we recommend seeking professional help as soon as possible due to their implications.
2. Vertical Foundation Cracks
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Appearance: Vertical cracks run up and down or slightly diagonally.
Causes: Often the result of natural settling.
Implications: Though considered less severe, they should not be ignored due to the risk of water ingress. Can worsen over time if left untreated.
Repair Options: Epoxy or polyurethane injections are commonly used to seal and stabilize vertical cracks.
3. Hairline Foundation Cracks
Appearance: Hairline cracks are very thin. They are similar to vertical cracks but can also be found in random patterns.
Causes: Common in new constructions. They usually occur due to the normal settling and drying of the foundation.
Implications: They are usually cosmetic and don’t represent major issues. However, if they grow larger over time and allow water to seep in, immediate attention is required.
Repair Options: A simple waterproofing mix is often enough to fix these cracks. Cracks larger than 1/8″ need to be cleaned out and patched before applying the mix. Learn how to fix hairline cracks yourself.
4. Stair Step Foundation Cracks
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Appearance: Stair step cracks follow the mortar joints in a step-like pattern, commonly in brick or concrete block foundations.
Causes: They are often caused by uneven foundation settling and moisture problems.
Implications: These cracks indicate structural issues and can worsen over time, potentially compromising the stability of the building.
Repair Options: Professional help is required, especially for significant stair step cracks. Repair methods usually include sealing the cracks with waterproofing compounds, underpinning push piers, and helical pier installation.
5. Diagonal Foundation Cracks
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Appearance: Diagonal cracks run at an angle, often extending from corners or edges of the foundation.
Causes: Differential settling of the foundation, natural curing of the concrete, and seismic activity.
Implications: Depending on the size, they can indicate structural issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible by professionals.
Repair Options: For small hairline cracks, a simple waterproofing mix is usually enough, however, for larger cracks, professional help is ideal. Professionals may use epoxy injections to seal the cracks and install piers to lift the settled section.
6. Shrinkage Foundation Cracks
Appearance: Shrinkage cracks are thin and irregular, and often resemble a web-like pattern on concrete surfaces. They can also be found as vertical cracks.
Causes: These cracks occur due to the drying and shrinking of concrete during the curing process.
Implications: Typically cosmetic, they rarely affect structural integrity but can allow moisture seepage if left unsealed.
Repair Options: A simple waterproofing mix or epoxy injections are commonly used to fix these types of foundation cracks.
7. Foundation Slab Cracks
Appearance: Linear or irregular cracks on the surface of a concrete slab.
Causes: Often caused by natural drying, settling, and curing of a concrete slab, settlement issues due to poor workmanship, and frost heave.
Implications: They can lead to uneven floors, water intrusion, or weakened structural integrity if severe.
Repair Options: Repairs may include epoxy injections, slab leveling, or even full slab replacement depending on the severity of the crack. It is always recommended to call an expert to determine a proper solution.
8. Wet Foundation Cracks
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
Appearance: Wet cracks are visibly damp, often accompanied by water stains or efflorescence along the crack.
Causes: Wet cracks can form due to any of the reasons listed above, with the main difference being that they are deep enough and water can infiltrate after heavy rains, winter snowmelt, or any other reasons.
Implications: These cracks can lead to water damage, mold growth, and weakening of the foundation over time.
Repair Options: Solutions may include sealing the cracks with epoxy or polyurethane injections and installing or improving drainage systems.
Structural vs. Non-Structural Cracks
Apart from the different types of foundation cracks, the distinction between structural and non-structural cracks is crucial for homeowners to understand, as it informs the severity of the damage.
Structural Cracks
These cracks compromise the integrity of the foundation and the building’s structure. They are often wider than 1/6″, may grow over time, and can appear in various forms, including horizontal cracks, large diagonal cracks, and stair-step cracks in masonry.
Structural cracks result from significant settlement, soil pressure, or construction flaws and require immediate professional attention to prevent further damage to your home.
Structural cracks need a thorough evaluation and repair strategy by foundation repair specialists like EverDry Toledo to ensure the safety of your home.
Non-Structural Cracks
Typically less than 1/10” wide, non-structural cracks do not threaten the building’s structural integrity but can still allow water to enter, leading to potential moisture issues.
These types of foundation cracks are often caused by shrinkage during the curing process of concrete or minor settling. While they may not require extensive repairs, sealing them can prevent water damage and maintain the foundation’s barrier against moisture.
Non-structural cracks can often be sealed by homeowners or with minimal professional help.
More About Foundation Cracks
Learn more about foundation cracks.
When Should You Worry about a Cracked Foundation?
If you see a crack in your foundation that is wider than 1/6″, it can be considered as a structural crack and it is threatening the structural integrity of your home. If this is the case, you should call a professional for an inspection.
In addition to that, if you notice a small crack that allows water to seep in, immediate attention is required to avoid problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and possible water damage.
Immediate Steps After Discovering Cracks in Your Foundation
Upon discovering cracks in your foundation, it’s crucial to act swiftly to assess their severity and determine the necessary steps for repair. Here at EverDry Toledo, we recommend the following immediate actions:
1. Document the Cracks: Take clear photos and make notes on their locations, lengths, and widths. This will help in monitoring any changes over time and will be valuable information for our specialists.
2. Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the cracks to see if they widen or lengthen. Use a pencil to mark the ends of the cracks and date these marks to track progression.
3. Check for Water Ingress: Look for signs of moisture, leaks, or water damage in your basement or crawl space. Water ingress through cracks can lead to mold, mildew, and further structural damage.
4. Seek Professional Evaluation: Contacting a professional is the best step to ensure your home’s safety and integrity. Experts can distinguish between structural and non-structural cracks, identify underlying causes, and recommend appropriate repair methods.
Why a Professional Evaluation is Crucial
Here’s a complete overview of the benefits of hiring a professional to inspect and repair the cracks in your foundation.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Specialists have the expertise to accurately diagnose the severity of foundation cracks and the potential risks they pose to your home’s structure.
- Tailored Repair Solutions: Experts provide repair solutions that are not only aimed at addressing the visible cracks but also at tackling the root causes of the problem to prevent recurrence.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that experienced professionals are assessing and repairing your foundation cracks can give you peace of mind that your home remains safe and secure.
Long-Term Solutions and Repair Methods
There are several ways to repair a cracked foundation. Here are our recommended repair methods, and the ones we use in our basement wall crack repair projects. Our approach involves comprehensive solutions tailored to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of foundation damage.
Foundation Crack Injections
For non-structural cracks, we often use epoxy and urethane injections. This method effectively seals the crack against water ingress, protecting your basement and crawl spaces from moisture-related issues.
Structural Repairs
Structural cracks require more robust solutions. Depending on the crack’s cause and severity, we may employ various techniques, including underpinning, to stabilize the foundation. Underpinning involves extending the foundation to more stable soil layers, providing long-term stability to your home.
Waterproofing Solutions
To prevent future cracks and water damage, comprehensive waterproofing is often necessary. This can include interior and exterior waterproofing measures, such as improving drainage around the foundation and installing sump pumps or backwater valves to manage water levels effectively.
Soil Stabilization
In cases where soil conditions contribute to foundation issues, soil stabilization techniques may be employed. This can involve the injection of special polymers into the soil to increase its strength and reduce its compressibility, mitigating the risk of future settling and cracking.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Beyond immediate repairs, we emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring. We provide guidance on maintaining proper drainage, monitoring for new cracks, and when to schedule follow-up evaluations to ensure the continued stability of your foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about foundation cracks.
Which Cracks Are Worse, Vertical Or Horizontal?
Vertical cracks, often from natural settling, are less severe but should be sealed to prevent water ingress. Horizontal cracks, however, are more dangerous, indicating significant structural stress from external pressures and requiring immediate professional attention.
Are Foundation Cracks Normal?
Some types of foundation cracks, like hairline or shrinkage cracks, are normal as the concrete cures or the foundation settles. However, larger or worsening cracks can indicate structural issues that need professional assessment.
Can I Repair My Foundation Cracks Myself?
Homeowners can typically repair minor hairline cracks using DIY kits. However, larger or structural cracks require professional evaluation and repair to ensure the stability and safety of your home.
Schedule Your FREE 20-Point Inspection
The best way to keep your basement dry is with professional waterproofing. EverDry Toledo can help with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 841-6055 and schedule your inspection today! You can also learn more about our foundation repair services.
Stay connected with EverDry Toledo on Social Media to learn more basement tips and tricks!
