Recent FAQs about all types of foundation cracks, movement, damage in buildings:

These FAQs help diagnose cracks in the masonry foundation of a building.

This article series provides a guide to identifying & evaluating different types of concrete or masonry foundation, wall or floor cracks in buildings: this article series describes how to recognize and diagnose various types of foundation failure or damage, such as foundation cracks, masonry foundation crack patterns, and moving, leaning, bulging, or bowing building foundation walls.

Q&A on How to Evaluate Building Foundation Cracks & Movement & Foundation Crack Patterns

Foundation cracks, which are signs of foundation damage, can mean very different things depending on the material from which a foundation is made, the location, size, and shape of the foundation crack, and other site observations.

The size, shape, pattern, location of foundation cracks on a building, along with correlation with other site and construction conditions helps distinguish among probable causes.

These questions & answers about types of foundation cracks & damage were posted originally at FOUNDATION CRACK DICTIONARY - be sure to review that article for help in diagnosing the cause and finding the cure for cracks and foundation damage by type of material, type of crack or movement, etc.

On 2018-10-03 by (mod) - find an expert foundation inspector

Earnest

Try the page top menu link EXPERTS DIRECTORY

On 2018-10-03 by Earnest

I believe that it's possible our building is sinking, or sagging, due to age and or foundational issues, because it isn't level. I like a professional inspector to examine our structural foundation.

I can either be contacted via phone: 1-908-907-5820 or via email: earnesttucker.et58@gmail.com

Thank you.

On 2018-02-08 0 by (mod) -

Bart,

Yes, below.

On 2018-02-08 by Bart

@Brian, did anyone get back to you?

On 2017-10-26 by (mod) - meaning of upper structure cracks if there is no foundation movement

Dosh

If there is no foundation movement, no sagging, settling, leaning, buckling, and no column movement, the most likely the cracks in other parts of the home you describe are not related to the foundation or columns.

You need an onsite expert who will certainly see more evidence than we can find in a brief text exchange, but I suspect that your roof re-framing may have changed the points of weight or loading on walls, that there may be improper framing of roof or walls, or that there may have been rot or insect damage invited by the leaks that you describe.

On 2017-10-25 by Dosh - cracks on house front and back walls above grade

Hello,

About 2 -3 years ago we renovated the roof because of the water loaded up the load an severely damaged the ceiling.

After we put new structural elements and also isolation materials, gradually cracks appeared .

There are few major cracks, vertical and diagonal which has gaps between 0.5-1cm, The crack is internal however when we look from outside of the house, it is visible that wall seemed slightly moved outwards. There are no cracks on the ground or close to the ground, cracks formed at 2nd floor of the house or 2/3rd of t the height of the walls.at the ground floor.

Cracks formed at the front and back side walls of the house. House is about 25 years old masonary/concrete building. Diagonal cracks start from one end until the window, and continues from the other end of window. Could it be related to the foundation , or the column ?

On 2017-05-17 by (mod) - definition of structural cracks in slabs

Brian,

When a slab crack extends into the footings and walls then it is by definition a structural crack (where a slab-only crack might be "non-structural" if the slab doesn't include integral footings as part of the slab).

A crack that's enough to separate finish flooring is not trivial.

But before doing anything by way of repair we really need to know

- the extent of damage that's been caused

- the cause of the cracking

- and thus what additional cracking or movement we might expect (minor initial settlement may be trivial while poor site prep or building over garbage might be quite serious)

I have no idea what "puddy the situation" means - do let me know what the heck that is

You'll want to see
CONCRETE SLAB CRACK EVALUATION https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Concrete_Floor_Cracks.php

SHRINKAGE vs EXPANSION vs SETTLEMENT https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Foundation_Crack_Types.php

to be better armed to understand what you see and what you're told.

I'd be careful not to allow a band-aid repair to close the possibility of future repair work under warranty should that be needed.

Keep me posted.

On 2017-05-17 by Brian

Closed on a newly constructed home in 2015 that is built on a concert slab. Several months ago noticed that floorboards (wood floor) are separating and lifting in 2 areas.

Looked outside our home, and there are visible cracks in the foundation that align with the separating floor boards inside our home. Floor company came to inspect and told us foundation was cracked and needed to be repaired. Suggested removing floorboards, pouring concert, and putting down new wood boards.

Builder came to inspect, told us this is common, that their trade warranty people speak out of turn, and wants to "puddy" the separation. We requested that the builder have an engineer come out to inspect, they said no. Where do we go from here, our home does have a structural warranty, but builder said they would need to be able to put their hand inside a crack for it to be of concern structurally.

As a side note, there have been several homes in our neighborhood that have had the same issue, and have had to be repaired. Your help and direction would be greatly appreciated!

On 2017-05-17 by (mod) re: evaluate the seriousness of cracks in a new home floor slab

Brian,

When a slab crack extends into the footings and walls then it is by definition a structural crack (where a slab-only crack might be "non-structural" if the slab doesn't include integral footings as part of the slab).

A crack that's enough to separate finish flooring is not trivial.

But before doing anything by way of repair we really need to know

- the extent of damage that's been caused

- the cause of the cracking

- and thus what additional cracking or movement we might expect (minor initial settlement may be trivial while poor site prep or building over garbage might be quite serious)

I have no idea what "puddy the situation" means - do let me know what the heck that is

You'll want to see

CONCRETE SLAB CRACK EVALUATION

SHRINKAGE vs EXPANSION vs SETTLEMENT

to be better armed to understand what you see and what you're told.

I'd be careful not to allow a band-aid repair to close the possibility of future repair work under warranty should that be needed.

Keep me posted.

On 2017-05-17 by Brian

Closed on a newly constructed home in 2015 that is built on a concert slab. Several months ago noticed that floorboards (wood floor) are separating and lifting in 2 areas. Looked outside our home, and there are visible cracks in the foundation that align with the separating floor boards inside our home.

Floor company came to inspect and told us foundation was cracked and needed to be repaired. Suggested removing floorboards, pouring concert, and putting down new wood boards. Builder came to inspect, told us this is common, that their trade warranty people speak out of turn, and wants to "puddy" the separation.

We requested that the builder have an engineer come out to inspect, they said no. Where do we go from here, our home does have a structural warranty, but builder said they would need to be able to put their hand inside a crack for it to be of concern structurally.

As a side note, there have been several homes in our neighborhood that have had the same issue, and have had to be repaired. Your help and direction would be greatly appreciated!

On 2017-05-15 by (mod) re: how serious are two vertical hairline cracks in the wall

Richard,

At the More Reading links at the end of FOUNDATION CRACK DICTIONARY

this article FOUNDATION DAMAGE SEVERITY

should to be helpful preparation, but perhaps best is for you to get an on-site expert opinion from an experienced Foundation contractor or structural or civil engineer.

On 2017-05-15 by Richard

I added a new 2-car garage next to my old house. Above the garage is a new bedroom. The project started in July 2016 and finished in April 2017.

A week ago, I noticed two vertical hair-line cracks on the garage concrete footing wall. The cracks are 6 foot apart on the same wall.

They cracked across the wall, so they are visible inside and outside the garage. I read that vertical hair-line crack is less of a concern. But I'm worried that there are two cracks only 6 foot apart. Is this common? Should I be worried? Thanks for your advice.

On 2017-04-28 by (mod) re: how bad are the cracks on walls of my building

Ghassem

this sounds serious but it's not something that I can understand and evaluate - you need an onsite expert, perhaps a civil engineer or a structural engineer.

IF you see buckling bulging masonry walls in any building that area is dangerous - risking collapse - keep people away.

On 2017-04-28 by ghassem Takmil

I have 2 story bulding with a lot in front of it, there are two walls on both side of the bulding with the lot in between there are two vertical cerackes on both sides on walls at the border of bulding where the lot starts.

I do not know if the sattlement rate of the bulding is higher or lower than the lot area. but I know that the foundation of the lot area on both side walls at the vertical cerckes have not been joined inittially to the bulding foundation.

These cerackes have also has happened on several buldings belonging to the neibors with the simmilar situation on the same block who have adjusent walls to my lot and bulding exactly on the same place.

All of these buldings have been constructed in series by one person do not know how to repair . The soil in that area is very water sensative and it sattles very fast by even moderate amount of water used for washing the lot .pls advise

On 2017-01-25 by Andrew

Have a 40 year old house and recently I have noticed cracks in the ceiling following what I presume to be the edges of the plaster board, however tile in the bathroom has cracked with a corosponding crack in the mason art under it. Have a ceiling crack that wraps down onto the wall and travels through the plaster to the top of a window inside.

Cracks internally where walls meet and horizontal cracks that run rom top of window cut out to corners of the room about two blocks down from the ceiling. I put a straight edge over the horizontal crack and so far there seems to have been about 3mm of movement. Bath room is on opposite side of the house from these horizontal cracks.

Wall construction is 4" blocks with void in the middle that has recently been drilled and pumped with foam ball insulation.

Can't see any evidence of any new cracks on outside wall in the general area of these internal wall cracks. How worried should I be?

On 2016-12-31 by (mod) re: why are blocks on the ground in front of our foundation wall?

Sounds like an odd foundation repair job. Inspect the interior of the foundation with care.

On 2016-12-31 by NH

I'm considering buying an old house built in 1936. Home has a lot of character. However, I noticed there is is a row of foundation blocks in front of the original foundation throughout the house.

This row of concrete blocks seem to have been there a long time because they appear to be acting like the original foundation. Why is that? Was this a way to repair the foundation?

On 2016-10-24 by Anonymous

I'm not sure who's tolerance your contractor is considering other than your own for their advice. I wanted your tackle diameter crack in a brick wall occurring over year sounds serious to me. I suggest that you need a separate neutral party expert on site to tell you the cause of the crash and its impact on the structure. Significant repair costs may be involved.

On 2016-10-23 by R. Barney

I have a vertical crack in the exterior brick wall that goes from top to bottom of the wall. A few years ago we had the foundation worked on in the front of the house and the crack was pretty much closed up. It has now opened up again and is about an inch wide. The foundation company came out and said the foundation is still within tolerance.

We had a leak test done and nothing is leaking under the house. We also had a tree removed that was next to the house and just to the right of the crack. What else can we do to repair the crack and should we have a structural engineer look at it?

On 2016-10-04 by Lynn Silver

How long does it usually take for a home to develop foundation problems. If a house is at least 13 years old and there appear to be no foundation cracks or sliding, is it safe to assume that the foundation is stong and secure?

On 2016-09-13 by (mod) re: warranty on foundation work

Warranties are more marketing tools than protection for you. YOu need an onsite expert to determine the size, impact on structure, rate of change, and most important cause of the cracks you see. Shrinkage cracks in a slab or in a concrete wall aren't structurally important but settlement or movement may be important.

On 2016-09-13 by Chris Miller

Can someone please shed light on this for me. We are about to sign on a new house(new build) in a couple of days. In the basement(full underground basement) middle exposed wall. Has cracks that weren't there not even 2 weeks ago. They are offering a structural warranty. But shouldn't this be fixed by them and me not filing a claim later. The neighborhood we are in has had radon issues.

On 2016-08-04 by (mod) re: what to do about missing footings and water entry

Thanks Dan, I'm really happy when you find our information useful;

Footing defects are discussed at FOUNDATION MISSING INCOMPLETE https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Foundation_Missing.php
and you'll also want to see
FOOTING & FOUNDATION DRAINS https://inspectapedia.com/Wet_Basements/Foundation_Drain_Specifications.php

I don't like leaving dirt exposed, especially when it gets wet: it pumps moisture up through the building where it can cause surprising trouble even in the attic or roof space.

I would start by addressing roof runoff, gutters, leaders, site slope outdoors before doing anything expensive inside;

More detailed procedures for drying out the space start at BASEMENT LEAKS, INSPECT FOR - https://inspectapedia.com/Wet_Basements/Basement_Water_Entry.php

Indeed if water is flowing under the slab it'd be no surprise that it might find its way out where the slab stops and dirt starts.

If the above procedures don't stop the problem you might need, in rainy Seattle, to install a sump system or battery-backup sump to lower the water level under the slab;

IN any case I'd first look for a reason that the slab was not completed, then provided that answer lets me do so, I'd either continue the slab over the dirt or at the very least install 6 mil poly to stop pumping moisture into the home.

Why was the slab left incomplete?
With nobody to ask you might look at the location of pipes, site slope, drainage, and guess at what might have been the objective: such as a plan to add an interior trench and drain or sump system.

On 2016-08-04 by DanS

Your site is fantastic. I want to go through and read everything. Thank you!

My questions is specific to foundation footings. I did not see a section on it and had been reading about foundation cracks for reasons I'm sure you can figure out.

Our circa 1930 Cellar had a concrete slab poured at the footings. The concrete slab does not join with one side of the foundation wall, an exterior wall, and slopes to the earth, or base of the footing along that side and around one corner

. There is slightly damp dirt in the small open space. About once a year in heavy rain (Seattle) the cellar will flood about 4 inches and drain off in a matter of 12 hours.

Is there a reason, ie. Hydrostatic pressure, the floor slab and the footings do not meet/seal? Can you think of a reason this section would have an opening and access for water?

On 2016-06-04 by (mod)

I don't think that can be done by an e-text; you'll need an experienced inspector on-site. But if you search InspectApedia.com for WATER ENTRY you'll find a series of diagnostic and repair articles that might give you some ideas of where to look first.

On 2016-06-04 by Anonymous

But how to find the problem area,, nothing is visible, and source of entrence of the water,, it's like mystery for us,, is any special equipment or specialist can deal this matter,, pl suggest

On 2016-06-03 by (mod) re: pavers slope towards building

If the pavers direct water towards the foundation wall that's asking for trouble; the paved surface should slope away.

On 2016-06-03 by Lee

Our house built 10 years ago, so far everything is ok, but recently 6 months ago we did the paving around house with concrete( pavers did the job)., than recently 2 weeks ago we noticed our baseboard and drywall getting wet and peeling off, no leaks in the house, no bathroom or kitchen near by that area, but there is a window, but no cracks or leaks on that window also,

our doubt is ... Is there anything wrong happened while doing the paving job like foundation croak are something else. We don't have any knowledge about this,, pl someone help us to find the problem

On 2016-05-25 by psmith32

I have a lot of cracks in my basement, some of which have been repaired with injection epoxy but most have not. It has been recommended by more than 1 contractor that the foundation should be repaired from the outside.

My question is, if the foundation is repaired from the exterior will the current cracks continue to widen and/new ones appear?

On 2016-03-21 by (mod) re: builder says the wall cracks are normal

MDC

I do not know what's in your builder's mind, but indeed some cracks are normal, such as concrete shrinkage, and many are harmless. I SPECULATE that your builer meant watch for

- leaning, bulging bowing
- horizontal displacement in the foundation wall - one section moves past another - the surface on the two ides of the crack are not flush with one another.

in my OPINION these are not the only possible faults that could be important. For example, a crack into which you could stick a pencil is large and almost certainly significant even if there is no horizontal displacement

Technically, a foundation engineer might say that *any* crack in a masonry structure is a "failure" of a sort.

On 2016-03-21 by MDC

My new build has cracks on each wall as well as base of foundation. Builder response is 'normal, but watch for displacement.' What does displacement mean here?

...

Continue reading at FOUNDATION CRACK DICTIONARY - types of cracks in foundations, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Related Articles

• BLOCK FOUNDATION & WALL DEFECTS - home
• BRICK FOUNDATIONS & WALLS - home
• CONCRETE SLAB CRACK EVALUATION
• EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
• FOUNDATION CRACK DICTIONARY
• FOUNDATION DAMAGE SEVERITY
• FOUNDATION FAILURES by MOVEMENT TYPE - home
• FOUNDATION FAILURES by TYPE & MATERIAL

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FOUNDATION CRACK DEFINITIONS FAQs-2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING STRUCTURES

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