Owning a brick home brings a timeless charm and durability, but seeing cracks in your brick walls or foundation can be alarming. While small cracks can be harmless, larger or growing cracks are often a sign of a more serious problem—foundation settlement. In this blog, we’ll explain how foundation settlement leads to masonry cracks and answer some common questions homeowners might have when trying to figure out the cause of cracks in their brick home.
Why is my brick wall cracking?
Cracks in brick walls are often caused by movement in the foundation. Over time, soil beneath your home can shift due to natural changes like moisture levels, erosion, or even poorly compacted soil during construction. As the foundation shifts or settles unevenly, it puts stress on the masonry above, leading to cracks in your brick walls.
What causes foundation settlement?
Foundation settlement occurs when the soil beneath a home can no longer support the weight of the structure. Several factors contribute to this, including:
- Soil composition: Certain types of soil, like clay, expand and contract with moisture, causing the foundation to shift.
- Water issues: Too much moisture from heavy rainfall, poor drainage, or plumbing leaks can wash away soil or cause it to become unstable.
- Drought conditions: In dry conditions, soil can shrink, creating voids beneath the foundation and leading to settlement.
- Poor soil compaction: If the soil wasn't properly compacted during construction, it can shift or settle over time, causing foundation movement.
How can I tell if my cracks are caused by foundation issues?
Not all cracks are caused by foundation problems, but there are certain signs that point to foundation settlement:
- Stair-step cracks: These are cracks in a zig-zag pattern that follow the mortar joints between bricks. Stair-step cracks are a common indicator of uneven foundation settlement.
- Horizontal cracks: These appear in the middle of brick walls and can suggest serious pressure on the foundation.
- Cracks wider than 1/8 inch: Larger cracks or cracks that keep growing over time are a red flag that your foundation may be moving.
- Cracks near doors or windows: If cracks appear around window or door frames, it could indicate foundation shifting, as these areas are often the first to show signs of movement.
Can foundation settlement damage my home?
Yes, foundation settlement can cause significant damage to your home over time if left unaddressed. Beyond masonry cracks, foundation movement can lead to:
- Uneven floors: Foundation settlement can cause floors to slope or become uneven.
- Sticking windows and doors: When the foundation shifts, doors and windows may become misaligned and hard to open or close.
- Wall separation: You might notice gaps between walls and ceilings or floors, or even between walls and chimneys or porches.
- Plumbing issues: As the foundation settles, it can put pressure on plumbing lines, leading to potential leaks or breaks.
How do you fix foundation settlement and masonry cracks?
Fixing foundation settlement requires professional intervention, and the specific solution will depend on the severity of the problem. Some common foundation repair solutions include:
- Piering Systems: Foundation piers, like helical piers or push piers, are driven deep into the soil beneath the foundation to provide long-term support. They stabilize the foundation and can lift the home back to its original position.
- Wall Anchors: For bowing walls, wall anchors can be installed to stabilize the walls and prevent further movement. These systems help correct the structural integrity of the home.
- Carbon Fiber Straps: If the cracks are from bowing walls due to foundation movement, carbon fiber straps can be applied to strengthen and stabilize the wall without invasive construction.
- Masonry Crack Repair: After addressing the foundation settlement, the masonry cracks can be repaired using various methods such as repointing, where the damaged mortar is replaced, or installing flexible sealants to ensure water doesn’t seep through the cracks.
When should I worry about foundation cracks?
If you notice cracks growing larger, walls bowing, or additional cracks appearing over time, it's time to consult a foundation repair expert. The sooner you address the issue, the more cost-effective the repairs will be, and you can prevent further damage to your home.
How can I prevent foundation settlement in the future?
While not all foundation settlement can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Improve drainage: Ensure that water drains away from your home by maintaining proper grading and installing downspouts that direct water away from the foundation.
- Install a sump pump: In areas prone to water buildup, a sump pump can help remove excess water from beneath the foundation.
- Monitor soil moisture: In areas with expansive clay soil, use soaker hoses or irrigation systems to maintain consistent soil moisture levels around your foundation.
- Schedule regular inspections: A foundation professional can spot early signs of settlement and recommend preventive measures.
Let Midwest Structural Solutions fix your foundation issues
If your brick home is showing signs of masonry cracks, it’s important to consider foundation settlement as the underlying cause. Addressing the problem early can save you from more costly repairs down the road. If you’re dealing with foundation issues or need help with masonry crack repair, contact Midwest Structural Solutions. We specialize in foundation repair, waterproofing, and crack repair to keep your home stable and safe.
