Common Types of Foundation Cracks

Finding a crack in your home’s foundation can be scary. But, contrary to what many people think, not all cracks are the same.  The location, depth and direction can tell you a lot about the severity of foundation cracks.

Here is a brief overview of the most common foundation cracks found by homeowners in the greater Fort Worth area.

Vertical Cracks

This is the most common and usually the least serious type of crack.  They include true vertical cracks and cracks that run slightly diagonally (less than about 30 degrees from straight up and down). In most cases, they are caused by normal settling and are not an indication of structural issues.  Vertical cracks are usually easy and inexpensive to seal.  In most cases, this can be accomplished by injecting an epoxy or urethane sealer into the crack.

Diagonal Cracks

Cracks that run diagonally, between 30 to 70 degrees are also fairly common.  Diagonal cracks often appear as hairline fissures at one end and widen as they near the opposite end. In most cases, diagonal cracks are the result of differential settling of the structure which occurs when the soil the foundation sits on expands and contracts due to changes in moisture and temperature.

Repairing diagonal cracks can be more costly than repairing superficial vertical cracks because you must address their cause to prevent them from reappearing.  In some cases, the solution can be as simple as installing rain gutters or grading the ground around the affected area to keep water from pooling around the affected section of the foundation.

Horizontal Cracks

Cracks that run horizontally are typically the most serious type of cracks. Horizontal cracks are sometimes found in poured concrete foundations, but concrete block and brick foundations are more susceptible to this type of crack.  These are usually the most serious type of crack as they often indicate significant damage to the home’s structural integrity.  They can be caused by a number of factors including hydrostatic pressure that can cause sub-grade walls to bow and eventually fail.  The good news is that these types of cracks are typically found in homes with basements, which are fairly uncommon here in the Fort Worth area.

If you’re seeing diagonal or horizontal cracks in your home’s walls, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a reliable foundation contractor.  Here at Atlas Foundation Company, we’ve been providing reliable, affordable foundation repairs to homeowners throughout the greater Fort Worth area since for 60 years and we stand behind our work with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.  Call us today at (817) 478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate.

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