Concrete Block Wall Cracks: Are They Normal Or Dangerous?

Crack Patterns and What They Mean

1. Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks are extremely dangerous. These are the most severe types of cracks you can have. Even worse is when these concrete block wall cracks appear in your basement or crawl space walls. This is a sign of far too much pressure on your walls and that they are about to implode and fail. If your foundation gives out, your whole home can come down with it. Don’t ignore this. There are solutions, and the best local foundation repair teams can provide easy financing to help you solve it immediately.

2. Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks through your foundation and the concrete walls in your basement or crawl space are also severe. This is also a sign of high-pressure levels pushing against your foundation walls. The odds are that your foundation is about to fail. They may not immediately implode like horizontal cracks but have them inspected as quickly as possible. Until you do, water intrusion and weather changes will only compound the problem.

3. Stair Step Cracks

These are the most common wall cracks in VA, MD, and DC homes. The stair-step pattern that runs through the mortar between your blocks or bricks is a sign of settling. These cracks particularly appear when a home is settling or sinking unevenly. There may be soil changes, foundation piers have failed or rushed, and cheap building practices may have left your home on unstable ground. Until the underlying cause is fixed, any attempts to patch these cracks will not last long. They will continue to widen, giving access to rodents, insects, and water damage. An inspection by a foundation specialist will help determine the best course of action.

Signs Of Foundation Cracks and Other Problems

Even if you haven’t noticed any severe cracks in your home yet, these are common signs to watch out for. They indicate there may be dampness and water issues causing cracks you haven’t noticed yet or that a newly purchased home has foundation issues and cracks in concrete block walls that have been covered up and hidden temporarily.

Musty Smells

Musty odors indicate potential mold and mildew growth. If not addressed in time, this damage can affect wooden support beams and structural stability.

Pest Infestations

Termites, fleas, and rodents are attracted to damp spaces. Whether it is your crawl space or basement, they can be hard to get rid of once they are in. They aren’t just going to choose to move out on their own unless you fix what is bringing them in. Before too long, they will begin to get into the rest of your home and can do even more severe damage.

Exterior Erosion

Erosion around the exterior perimeter of your house is likely caused by poor grading, missing gutters, or gutters that need to be cleaned and repaired. Between the rain and melting snow, excess water will eat away at the foundation of your home and accumulate next to your foundation walls. It can only be a matter of time before they start causing dangerous cracks and foundation failure.

Warping & Signs Of Water Damage

Inside your home, you may see old water stains, feel uneven floors, or see they are starting to sink away from your baseboards. Doors may begin to stick or fail to close correctly as the doors and door frames warp from humidity and dampness.

Your Home Is Not Level

Some homes have obvious tilting or leaning, and rooflines can be uneven. There is likely an uneven settling issue or worse.

What To Do Next

Do not ignore potential foundation wall problems. You can’t afford it. Once they get too bad (a quarter-inch wide or more), you may be unable to refinance or sell your home.

Ask a specialist for a free inspection and estimate and for advice on how to get the best financing for any needed repairs.

Concrete Crack FAQs

Is there a correlation between the age of a home and the likelihood of basement wall cracks? 

Yes, there is a correlation between the age of a home and the likelihood of basement wall cracks. Older homes are generally more susceptible to settling, soil movement, and the cumulative effects of environmental factors, increasing the potential for cracks over time. 

What is the typical duration for the crack repair process?

Typically, the entire concrete repair process is completed within a single day, depending on the extent of the damage and the scope of the project. The PolyRenewal™ foam solidifies in just 15 minutes, allowing you to use the area shortly afterward.

Is cracked concrete a sign of foundation issues? 

Cracked concrete may indicate underlying foundation problems, which should be inspected and assessed by a professional. JES Foundation Repair provides free home inspections, obligation-free estimates, no hidden costs, financing opportunities, comprehensive repair solutions, and long-term warranties for your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more. 

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.