Foundation cracks can be serious and require assessment to determine the cause and necessary actions. Cracks in concrete, poured concrete, and cinder block foundations may be caused by shrinkage, while brick walls can crack due to moisture or settling. Stone walls can crack due to explosions or heavy traffic. Diagonal cracks may be caused by frost buildup, while horizontal cracks may be caused by weather or traffic. Consult an expert if in doubt about the severity of the cracks.
Foundation cracks can be a very serious situation, depending on the type of material the foundation is made of. After assessing the cracks in the foundation, the cause can be determined and what actions to take. Some cracks are nothing to worry about, but others could be a sign of structural damage that needs to be examined by a professional as soon as possible.
Cracks are commonly found in concrete, poured concrete, and cinder block foundations. They are often caused by shrinkage, which can be distinguished by a crack that appears wider at the top and tapers inward towards the bottom. If the crack continues all the way to the floor, it could be a sign of structural damage and require further expert investigation. Cracks found in poured concrete foundations may be caused by poor conditions at the time of pouring or poor mixing and do not require further investigation. Concrete blocks often shrink as they harden, causing cracks to form in the middle of the foundation and weakening the structure.
Foundation cracks found in brick walls are a serious matter that requires an immediate investigation by an expert. Brick walls can absorb moisture in the air, causing them to expand indefinitely and eventually crack. Brick walls can also develop problems if the structure settles or there is a problem with the support system. Cracks found in brick walls can cause the wall to collapse and cause serious damage.
Stone wall foundations can crack around individual stones. This is usually caused by nearby explosions, frost damage, or heavy load-bearing vehicle traffic. Cracks in this type of foundation should be investigated immediately as there is a risk of the structure collapsing.
Diagonal cracks are often found around window sills, above doorways, around garages, and in the corners of buildings located in cold climates. They are usually the result of frost buildup and thermal expansion. If cracks appear in a poured concrete foundation and are uniform in size and width, there should be no risk, as they are just shrinkage cracks. With other foundation materials, if the cracks continue to grow in length and width, there is a risk of structural damage and should be investigated.
Horizontal foundation cracks found at the highest level of the house may be caused by freezing weather or heavily laden vehicle traffic. If they are at an average level, they can also be caused by heavily loaded vehicular traffic, slopes, fill damage or wet ground. Low ones can be caused by earth loading or by the dislocation of the masonry blocks.
Cracks in the foundation are serious business. While some are just cosmetic issues, others can cause the foundation to collapse. If in doubt about the severity of the cracks, consult an expert. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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