Understanding Your Basement: Foundations of Foundation Cracks

As a homeowner, you have a lot to worry about to keep your home in good condition. However, a lot of the ground-level problems start underground, in your basement. The walls of your basement are called the foundation, and they earned that name for a reason: they literally support your entire home. So, when things go wrong with the foundation, it’s time to act.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the various types of foundation cracks you may encounter, how to gauge the impact of wall cracks, and how roof sagging can be an exterior indication of things going wrong down under.

Foundation Cracks: What Do They Really Mean?

Foundation cracks can be normal, small cosmetic cracks coming from stone aging; or they can be severe, threatening signs of grave danger for your home. Identifying them and knowing when to act can be critical for the longevity of your home and your own safety.

Hairline Cracks: Small cracks, typically 1/16” wide or less, are very common in foundations. They tend to happen after the foundation starts to settle. If you see tiny cracks like these in your basement, it’s not cause for alarm, but you should keep an eye on them. If you see them expand over time, it may be time to call a professional repair service.

Vertical Cracks: These will be found running up your wall. Sometimes they’re straight up and down, and others are at an angle, but either way, its a vertical crack and should be examined. If you see small cracks in your basement, start to keep an eye on them. Cracks larger than 1/8” can be major indicators that the foundation isn’t settling evenly and may require professional attention.

Horizontal Cracks: When you have cracks that run along the walls of your basement, you may be seeing signs of soil pressure overwhelming your foundation. Improper drainage around the foundation, ice expansion, and more can cause excess pressure pushing on your foundation from the outside. It’s important to have an expert evaluate the situation when you see these cracks, as they can lead to bowing, water leaks, and foundation crumbling if left untreated.

Now that we know the cause and effects of different crack types, let’s talk about whether these cracks are cause for alarm or simply cosmetic.

Wall Cracks: Cosmetic or Cause for Alarm?

Not every crack is a bad one. Some, like hairline fractures, are only indicating normal foundation settling, but others are signs of bad things to come.

Cosmetic: Very small cracks, less than 1/8” wide, are typically just cosmetic. They may not look great, but they aren’t the beginning of the end for your basement. It’s normal to have small cracks form as the foundation settles. Sometimes these will appear in your basement or on the drywall within your home as the years go on. If they continue to expand beyond a hairline crack though, it may be time to sound the alarm.

Cause for Alarm: If you’re inspecting basement cracks and notice that it’s starting to crumble, moisture is around it, or the crack is widening, these are all CAUSE FOR ALARM. Cracks that will likely be cause for alarm are often going to be visible from far away and will be physically identifiable. If you find yourself in this position, don’t wait to call a professional because your basement needs attention ASAP. It’s critical that a professional gets in there, identifies the problem, and works on a solution to prevent any further issues.

Your basement is ground zero for issues, whether it’s moisture, cracks, or mold; but there’s another place you can look: your roof. Why the roof, you ask? That’s a great question!

Roof Sagging: A Potential Collapse in the Making?

Roof sagging can indicate a variety of issues present in your home. Whether it’s caused by foundation settling and shifting, delayed maintenance, or clogged gutters, all of these can lead to basement issues too. So, it’s important to keep an eye out across the entire home, not just the basement.

Foundation settling and shifting is detrimental because it happens in the basement and is one of the likely causes of the cracks you see. Think of it as a body part that isn’t supposed to bend or twist is being bent or twisted – you risk a serious injury and feel worse as it happens.

Delayed maintenance can be all over the home, from the roof to the basement, and can impact your basement in serious ways. If there is excess pressure from the roof pushing down on the foundation, you may start to notice horizontal cracks or bowing walls, indicating there’s a problem higher up.

Clogged gutters can be very serious for homeowners. When your gutters become filled with sticks, leaves, snow, or ice, you may notice that they sort of droop off the side of the building. For your roof, this can cause sagging or excess pressure, eventually leading to a collapse. And for your basement, this can be the cause of a lot of problems – drainage, erosion, extra pressure – all coming from the gutters far above your basement.

The Foundations of Foundation Cracks

If you made it this far, you’ve mastered the foundations of foundation cracks! That phrase may crack you up, but foundation cracks are nothing to crack up about. You know what to look for, what cracks mean, and what to do when you find them. Since we can’t be in every home, we’re relying on knowledgeable homeowners like you to keep an eye on your basement and reach out if things are awry.