A crack in your foundation wall is certainly a concerning sight. However, foundation wall cracks arise from different underlying sources. Some cracks require immediate attention while others are completely harmless. As a homeowner, it’s beneficial to understand the difference between the two.
This article focuses on horizontal hairline cracks in walls, their causes, and what you should do when you see them. But first, let’s touch on a few signs that your wall cracks are entirely harmless. That is, non-structural.
Signs Your Wall Crack is Non-Structural
As noted in the introduction, some wall cracks are benign and pose no threat to your home’s structural integrity. We refer to these cracks as non-structural. Here are a few signs that the cracks in the wall are nothing to worry about:
- Hairline: Most non-structural cracks are hairline cracks, meaning they are less than 1/8 of an inch wide.
- Vertical direction: Non-structural cracks are often vertical and in poured concrete foundations, they can be caused by shrinkage during the concrete curing process.
- Minimal spread: Non-structural cracks typically consist of a single crack that does not branch and spread across the wall’s surface. Therefore, if you see a series of vertical hairline cracks next to each other, that’s a sign there’s something structural going on.
If your crack proves to be non-structural, it’s nothing more than a cosmetic concern. Non-structural cracks do not require extensive repairs, and you or a professional can easily conceal them.
Signs a Crack is the Result of Structural Damage
While some wall cracks are non-structural and therefore non-worrisome, other cracks indicate significant damage that threatens the structural integrity of your entire home. We refer to these concerning cracks as structural cracks. Below are a few signs that your wall cracks require professional attention as soon as possible:
- Horizontal direction: Nearly every crack that runs in a horizontal direction indicates a severe problem. You should be concerned about any horizontal cracks in your foundation and seek the appropriate repairs immediately.
- Width greater than 1/8 of an inch: Problematic cracks are usually wider than ⅛ inch and may get bigger with time.
- Varying width: Non-structural cracks often have a consistent width. In contrast, structural cracks can be bigger at one end.
- Cracks that accompany wall distortion: When your walls not only have cracks but also begin to bow and become misshapen, it’s safe to say they have a structural problem that requires repairs.
- Increasing size: Structural cracks will worsen and get bigger.
- Amount of cracks: While a single vertical crack is usually non-structural, if you find multiple vertical cracks near one another, this typically indicates a structural concern.
- Stair-step cracks: For those with masonry foundations, stair-step cracks that follow the mortar pattern are nearly always a sign of structural damage.
- Diagonal cracks: Like horizontal and stair-step cracks, large diagonal cracks are often a sign of structural damage as well.
- Leaks: If your crack allows water or air from the outside to enter your home, you should contact a foundation professional to evaluate it immediately because it’s almost certainly structural.
Understanding the signs of a structural crack will help you know when to seek professional help. However, it’s best to be safe rather than sorry when you discover a foundation wall crack. If you cannot tell if your cracks are structural or non-structural, it’s always wise to seek a professional’s opinion.
Why Horizontal Wall Cracks Are Problematic
If you discover a horizontal crack in your foundation wall, you should assume it is a problematic structural crack requiring repairs. Even if your horizontal crack is a hairline crack, it most likely arises from a severe structural issue.
Hydrostatic Pressure Causes Most Horizontal Foundation Wall Cracks
Most horizontal foundation cracks result from hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure refers to the force that water places on the surfaces it contacts. When groundwater arrives outside your home, it can saturate the soil surrounding the foundation. When this occurs without good drainage, hydrostatic pressure builds up and presses against the foundation wall.
Hydrostatic pressure can overcome the strength of a foundation wall. Horizontal cracks and bowing walls are two of the most common signs that your foundation has a hydrostatic pressure problem. Hydrostatic pressure compromises the structural integrity of your foundation and jeopardizes the stability of your entire home.
Relieving Hydrostatic Pressure Problems
Now that you understand that hydrostatic pressure is the leading cause of horizontal wall cracks, it’s time to learn about how a professional foundation team will resolve this issue. Below are some of the leading steps a foundation team will complete in response to your horizontal wall crack:
- Excavate around the outside of your foundation.
- Repair and/or replace existing drainage structures so they are better capable of managing groundwater and preventing future hydrostatic pressure problems.
- Waterproof the exterior surface of your foundation wall.
- Fill the excavated area.
- Restore the wall’s strength by installing carbon fiber straps, wall plate anchors, or another form of structural reinforcement.
- Patch any remaining cracks to restore the appearance of your foundation wall.
Remember, relieving hydrostatic pressure and repairing structural foundation wall cracks are not tasks that an average homeowner can complete on their own. Instead, it’s always best to contact an experienced professional anytime you discover horizontal cracks or any other concerning issue with your foundation walls.
Have a Pro Evaluate Your Horizontal Wall Cracks
When you have a horizontal crack in your wall, reach out to a professional foundation repair team. Even if your horizontal cracks are thin, chances are that they result from a severe issue.
If you are dealing with horizontal wall cracks in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, or the surrounding Virginia areas, reach out to Atlas Master Companies 911. At AMC911, we have over 30 years of experience repairing foundations and providing other essential repair services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can resolve your horizontal wall cracks.
