Types of Basement Cracks and If You Need to Fix Them
Home foundations are often taken for granted, but they’re much more important than you may realize. A strong foundation is essential for maintaining your home’s structural integrity and overall safety. However, if you’ve noticed foundation cracks, you might be unsure whether to worry or what steps to take next.
If you’re wondering, “Are foundation cracks normal?” you’re not alone. Many Virginia homeowners face foundation issues, but you can restore stability and prevent further damage with the right solutions.
This page outlines common foundation problems in Virginia, foundation repair methods, and the proactive steps to take to protect your home.
Different Types of Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can appear both on your home’s outside and inside. On the exterior, look for these cracks in the bricks around your home, near the chimney, and in other concrete structures. Inside your house, you might notice cracks in the floors, concrete walls, drywall, ceilings, and around the frames of doors and windows. These varied locations each tell a part of the story of your home’s condition and structural changes.
Check out these common types of cracks in Virginia homes and if you need to take action:
1. Basement Cracks
Vertical cracks indicate pressure against the basement walls. Horizontal cracks are an emergency issue. The walls will cave in unless fixed fast. Stair step cracks through the mortar are a sign of settling. They may be normal settling, but keep a close eye on them.
2. Crawl Space Foundation Cracks
These cracks can be caused by shifting soil, cheap building practices, poor drainage, bad grading, plumbing leaks, and more. As above, some of these are extremely dangerous and can implode with a bang. Failing to fix them will ensure the problem just gets worse and dampness can ruin the rest of your home.
3. Floor Cracks
Cracks in the basement floor are a sign of settling. This can be a sign your foundation can no longer hold the weight of your home. Ongoing dampness and water damage will only make it worse and impact the rest of your house. You can have these cracks inspected by a professional for the best custom solution.
4. Cracks In Drywall
These cracks in your interior walls, around doors and window frames, and even on the ceiling can be a sign of faulty building practices or foundation problems. An inspection will help you assess if this is normal settling or your home needs support piers to prevent further sinking.
5. Cracked Slab
A cracked foundation slab can be caused by your house settling, concrete shrinkage, and changes in the soil. This is a common problem for homeowners in Virginia where freezing and extreme weather changes cause the underlying ground to swell and shrink.
6. Cracks In Concrete Blocks
Stair step cracks in between blocks along the mortar lines show your home is not settling evenly. This problem can continue to get worse over time. It will likely show up in cracks throughout the interior of your home over time. Vertical or horizontal cracks in blocks are serious. The exterior pressure is too much for your home’s foundation. They will cause collapse.
7. Cracks In Brickwork
The pattern of your brick cracks can tell a lot about the cause. Stair step-style cracks in brickwork show uneven settling of a home. They can grow and grow and get wider and wider. This will cause other functional and aesthetic problems throughout your house. Vertical cracks suggest a high likelihood of foundation issues. Horizontal cracks are always a red flag of foundation failure. Walls will collapse and the entire home can be lost if not addressed right away.
8. Concrete Cracks
Cracks in concrete floors, garages, and cracks in basement slabs indicate the soil is no longer able to support your home. There could be poor construction work involved or excess water around the foundation of your home. Even before you notice these cracks, there may be sinking floors in your home, cracks in your inter-walls close to the corners, and more.
9. Chimney Cracks
Chimneys are amazing, even if you don’t use them for real wood fires anymore. They can be one of the best architectural features of your home. Sadly, they also put a lot of weight in one place. If your home builder took shortcuts and didn’t prepare the soil and foundation correctly, you’ll start seeing chimney cracks, and it may start leaning. This not only robs you of a lot of joy and value but can obviously become dangerous and threaten the rest of your home. Some have suggested homeowners remove chimneys or strap them in place. This can be a real shame and still doesn’t fix the underlying problem. Tackle water and foundation problems and keep your chimney and the rest of your home safe.
10. Cracked Sidewalks & Driveways
Fortunately, cracked sidewalks and driveways don’t have to mean the scary underlying issues that the above types of cracks can. However, sooner or later these things will crack and show wear. This not only looks ugly but can be a financial liability if someone trips on these cracks. They can be lifted with foam, re-leveled, and resurfaced.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
In most cases, water is the main cause of foundation cracks. Changes in soil moisture can cause the soil and underlying components to shrink or swell, leading to movements below the foundation. Other reasons that make your home’s foundation susceptible to damage include:
- Soil Movement and Moisture Changes: The soil under your house can expand when it gets wet and shrink when it dries, causing the foundation to move.
- Weather and Temperature: Extreme weather, such as very hot or very cold temperatures, can also cause the foundation to move and crack.
- Poor Drainage: If water doesn’t drain properly around your house, it can make the soil less stable and lead to foundation problems.
- Water Leaks: Hidden leaks from plumbing can soften or wash away soil under the foundation, leading to cracks.
- Tree Roots: Large trees near your home can suck moisture from the soil, making it too dry and causing the foundation to shift.
- Poor Construction: If the foundation was built with poor-quality materials or sloppy construction work, it can be weak and more likely to crack.
Warning Signs of Foundation Issues
Most foundation problems in Virginia Beach, VA, manifest physically. Some signs are subtle, while others are visible. When carrying out foundation repair inspections, look out for the following signs:
- Cracks in ceiling and walls
- Creaking floorboards
- Sloped or uneven floors
- Leaning or bowing foundation walls
- Chimney leaning away from the side of the house
- Cracks in the concrete slab
- Floor cracks
- Cracks in brick siding
The Benefits of Professional Foundation Repair
Working with a foundation repair professional rather than tackling the job yourself has many advantages. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess the severity of foundation cracks and determine the underlying causes.
They can spot signs of serious problems that might not be obvious to homeowners, such as subtle structural shifts that suggest deeper issues. Additionally, professionals can provide warranties on their work, offering peace of mind that the repair will last.
Attempting DIY repairs without the proper knowledge can lead to inadequate fixes, potentially causing more damage and higher costs in the long run. A professional’s intervention ensures that the foundation repair is thorough, meets building codes, and addresses the problem effectively the first time.
Professional Foundation Repair Methods
- Carbon Fiber Wall Straps: These help support bowing walls.
- Foundation Piers: Heavy-duty supports like helical piers, slab piers, or push piers fix more significant foundation issues from the outside.
- Wall Anchors: These stabilize and straighten bowing basement walls due to hydrostatic pressure.
- Steel I-Beams: Installed vertically against the wall to prevent it from bowing inward, steel I-beams are a robust solution for structural repair.
Contact JES Foundation Repair for a Free Foundation Inspection
Since 1993, JES has been helping homeowners repair their foundations and make their homes safer. With industry-leading foundation solutions, we’re committed to creating better homes for our Virginia, DC, and Maryland neighbors.
See why homeowners through the Mid-Atlantic trust us. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection, where we’ll create a plan to fix your foundation issues. The best foundation repair method for your home is just around the corner, and working with JES gets you there faster!
Foundation Repair FAQs
Delaying the repair of foundation cracks can lead to a host of problems, including further structural damage, water intrusion leading to mold growth and poor indoor air quality, and even compromised safety of the home. Over time, what might have been a simpler, more cost-effective repair can evolve into a complex, expensive undertaking.
It is generally recommended to have your foundation inspected at least once every few years, especially if you notice any signs of foundation problems such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues early on and prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Additionally, if you live in an area with unstable soil or experience extreme weather conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary.
Foundation pier installation is a specialized task requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. It is not advisable to undertake this task independently. Rely on JES Foundation Repair’s expertise for assured quality installation of foundation piers.
Related Resources
Holly Richards-Purpura
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Our Locations
8361 Town Center Ct
Nottingham, MD 21236
311 Central Rd.
Suite 2-02
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
2569 Quality Ct
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
7940 Gainsford Ct.
Bristow, VA 20136
309 Quarles Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
2033 Cook Dr.
Salem, VA 24153
456 Old Courthouse Rd
Appomattox, VA 24522
45 W Boscawen St,
Winchester, VA 22601