![stair step cracks in concrete block walls stair step cracks in concrete block walls](https://lewisclaimsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Concrete-Wall-block-Cracks.jpg)
Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with this type of damage. If you suspect you have horizontal foundation cracks, you’re in the right spot. Fortunately, if you know some tips and tricks and if you recognize the damage in time, you might be able to mend this more or less pain-free. Often, this requires extensive and costly repairs. While there are several types of holes in your foundation, horizontal foundation cracks might be the most common ones you’ll run into.ĭealing with foundation damage is never fun. With foundation issues, it’s always best to catch them early on before you require an entire foundation rebuild.Having a crack can be a nightmare – especially if you have a crack in foundation. Still, even if cracks aren’t a huge concern, it’s worth having them checked out to ensure there isn’t an underlying issue. Cracks are small and measure less than ¼-inch wide.Or rather, movement of the foundation has been ceased and can no longer continue. The grading around the exterior was recently altered-these changes may have stopped the problem from worsening.Stair-step cracks are not as much of a concern if: This can indicate ongoing movement that has been “fixed” with a Band-Aid. If you recently purchased your home, be mindful of cracks that have been patched several times. Having a professional mason out to inspect the crack is key to preventing issues from getting out of hand. Although, it’s important to isolate the cause of the cracks and move in a proactive direction to prevent worsening of the problem. Just because your home has stair-step cracks doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make serious repairs right away. Before patching cracks, it’s important to identify and address the cause of the crack. This is a short-lived cosmetic fix and you are sure to see the crack return. No matter what, you cannot address the root of the issue by simply patching it up, or filling it in. Instead, it is pooling and expanding the soil around the base of your home. Therefore, moisture is not traveling away from your home’s foundation as it should. This could be caused by gutter issues, or some type of fault in your drainage system. The cause often boils down to moisture issues, or excess pressure on a certain part of the wall. Yet, if a certain action is required, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. It is possible that nothing needs to be done. It’s nearly impossible to know if stair-step cracks are a real cause for concern unless a professional inspects the building. If this is the case and it goes unfixed, the issue will continue to expand into sagging or bulging walls, sloping floors, or misaligned windows and doors. This can signal that a portion of your home is settling faster than other parts. The chance it relates to your foundation increases if the crack reaches down the footing of your home towards the foundation. You may also notice a related crack on the adjacent wall corner. These cracks may appear on exterior or interior walls, including crawl spaces and basement walls. Stair-step cracks are commonly associated with foundation issues. In some cases, cracks may signal more serious issues such as a foundation problem. Plus, there are simple repairs available to seal them up and prevent them from worsening or leading to issues. Most cracks are minor and little cause for concern. This movement may be incredibly slow, but it can still cause cracks to surface over time.īrick homes very commonly show cracks in mortar joints or the actual brickwork. That’s because the earth tends to move more on a hillside. These types of cracks are a larger concern if they are accompanied by a bulging wall, or if the crack measures more than ¼-inch wide.Ī house that sits on a hillside is more likely to have stair-step cracks. Stair-step shape cracks in masonry may signal an underlying issue, including the potential for foundation issues.