Wall Cracks - What You Need to Know

Wall cracks come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe you’ve noticed them on your basement walls. Perhaps you waved them off as nothing, or maybe you immediately feared the worst.

At Mid-State Basement Systems we want our customers to be armed with knowledge so they know they’re getting the best solution to their problem. When it comes to wall cracks, that means knowing what different types of cracks mean.

Over time, all foundation walls will shift. As soil moves and expands, frost settles and thaws, and water collects near the base of the home. All of these can cause cracks in your walls. But how do you know which cracks are no big deal and which cracks are catastrophic?

Vertical Cracking

Most of the time, vertical cracking is nothing to worry about it. It’s usually a sign of general wear and tear, and natural aging.

Horizontal Cracking

If you’re seeing horizontal cracking near the middle of the wall, this is one of the first signs of a bowing wall. They usually start out small and increase in width over time as the soil outside puts pressure on the wall.

Stair-Step Cracking

If you’re seeing stair-step cracking in the corners of your walls, this means the problem is getting worse. As the wall bows more severely in the middle, the corners are held up by the adjacent walls, creating the cracking effect.

Diagonal Cracking

Much like stair-step cracking on a block wall, if you see diagonal cracking on a poured concrete wall, it’s safe to assume there’s a big problem.

When it comes to cracks in your foundation walls, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A small problem can quickly turn into a big one if left unattended and you don’t want to have to replace your foundation walls.

Mid-State Basement Systems offers a variety of foundation wall repair services to help keep your home stable and safe. Call us today for a free inspection.