Cracked Walls? When to Worry

If You Have Wall Cracks Here Are a Few Things to Look For

No crack in the wall is a “good” crack. That being said, there are some that are more concerning than others. DIY repair might be your first instinct, but there are times when you should contact a professional. Here we will go over some symptoms of cracked walls that are cause for concern and when to pick up the phone and make the call to a contractor.

Do I Need to Worry About the Crack in My Wall?

As a homeowner, you are probably always on the lookout for anything that could be wrong with your home. So, when you notice a crack in your wall, it’s natural to wonder if you need to worry about it. The truth is, wall cracks can be caused by a number of different foundation issues, and they can be bad for your home. If you're not sure what to do about them, you may be wondering how much you should worry. There are different types of foundation issues that can cause wall cracks, and they affect your home in different ways.

When to Worry About a Wall Crack

Most cracks in walls are simply the result of your house settling and are nothing to be concerned about. However, there are some cracks that can indicate serious problems:

• Diagonal Wall Cracks: As cracks in the wall go, smaller vertical cracks are not as much a cause for concern. However when you spot cracks that move in a diagonal direction or appear as “stair steps” this is more alarming. When you see this type of pattern, then it may be a result of the foundation shifting or settling. Some form of structural movement may be happening. This may be a good time to consult a foundation repair contractor.
• The Wider the Crack the More the Worry: Cracks smaller than one to five millimeters generally are cracks in the plaster and not in your wall. These can be fixed with small repairs and are not a major cause for worry. Cracks that are larger, a half to a full inch, could be signs of structural damage. You could be experiencing sudden sinking of the house and its foundation or there could be another cause. In this case, it is potentially severe and a professional should be contacted.
• If You See the Light, It Might Mean Trouble: If you see daylight through any of the cracked walls in your home, then this could mean a serious issue. Usually, a crack will appear on one side of the wall or the other. If you see all the way through then this means the whole wall has shifted versus one side only. This is also evidence that the foundation and house have experienced sudden sinking.

What Causes Cracks in Walls?

One of the most common causes of wall cracks is foundation settlement. Settlement occurs when the soil underneath your home shifts or settles. This can happen for a number of reasons, including changes in the moisture content of the soil or changes in the temperature. When the soil settles, it can cause your foundation to settle with it. This can result in cracks in your walls.

Another common cause of wall cracks is expansion and contraction. As the temperature outside fluctuates, so does the temperature of the soil around your foundation. This can cause the foundation to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks in your walls.

Wall cracks are not only unsightly, but they can also be bad for your home. Cracks in your walls can let in water, which can damage your home's structure. They can also provide a way for pests to enter your home. If you notice a crack in your wall, it's important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Foundation repair can help to fix the problems that are causing your wall cracks. Foundation settlement can be corrected with piering or helical piers. These methods involve putting support piers under your foundation to stabilize it and prevent further settlement. Expansion and contraction can be controlled with the use of expansion joints. These are installed in between sections of your foundation to allow for movement without cracking.

When In Doubt, Ditch DIY and Contact My Foundation Repairs

If you have seen any of these types of cracks in your home, and are unsure of what action to take, then err on the side of caution. If you would like to be connected with a foundation repair contractor that is an expert ready to serve you, My Foundation Repairs can help! Our local foundation repair contractors can answer your questions and repair your home with the highest quality materials and workmanship in the industry. For additional information about common foundation problems click here.