Structural cracks threaten the integrity of your home and can eventually lead to foundation failure, making your home unsafe. Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, will not compromise the safety of your home, although they can pose a risk for leaks and future foundation problems if left unattended.
Crack Width: Typically, wider cracks are indicative of more severe foundation issues. They may suggest notable movement in the foundation, potentially threatening the structural integrity of the building. Hairline cracks, while not immediately alarming, should also be monitored as they may widen over time.
The size and location of wall cracks are key factors to consider. Large cracks wider than 5 millimeters are a cause for concern, especially if they are diagonal, horizontal or above a door frame.
Cracked or crumbling concrete
While you may not pay too much attention to concrete, this not-so-exciting material can reveal major signs of damage that can lead to a house collapsing.
While you're home isn't likely to collapse, that doesn't mean you should try to live with a foundation problem. An unrepaired foundation problem will get worse over time and could lead to unexpected and dangerous situations. For example, foundation problems can prevent doors and windows from opening.
Yes, you can live in a house with a foundation problem, for a period of time. However, you shouldn't. Foundation problems worsen over time and will cost more to repair if you wait. In some cases, a foundation issue left unrepaired can develop into a problem that costs tens of thousands of dollars to fix.
When there has been no rain, it is very important to water your concrete foundation. Dry foundations can cause cracks in walls, doors shifting or won't close or stick when you try to open them. The trick to avoiding a shifting foundation is to keep the perimeter of the foundation evenly moist.
In conclusion, it is a valuable decision to pay close attention to the possible warning signs that could potentially cause a building to collapse. Bowed or uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, bulging walls, sagging floors, and cracks in the walls and ceilings could be indicators as well.
The cracks are wide
A damaged wall would be considered severe when it's 25 millimeters or wider (2.5 centimeters or one inch) as it could be a sign of structural damage, subsidence (the sudden sinking of a house and its foundations) or something else.
Horizontal cracks run parallel to the ground and are typically more serious than vertical cracks.
Some signs that may indicate that a crack is structural in nature may be that the crack is ⅛” or larger, a crack is horizontal in direction, the crack has shifted forward, one side of a crack projects out further than the other side of the crack, a wall is bowing, and there may be stair step cracks in the mortar ...
Your historic house or building may show two common signs of settling: cracks in the plaster walls and sagging floors. In most cases, these effects of settling over time do not create any serious structural problems.
It is a fact that homes will settle over the years. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, knowing when to call in a foundation repair expert will help alleviate unnecessary anxiety and worry.
If you have any of the following cracks in your home, it might be best to get them checked out by a structural engineer: Cracks that are more than 15mm in width. Cracks that appear suddenly, rather than slowly over time. Cracks that run diagonally.
It is generally considered safe to continue living in a house with foundation problems. However, it depends on the severity of the issues.
The Bottom Line: Don't Sink Under The Weight Of Foundation Issues In A House. If you spot major cracks or uneven floors, the house might have foundation issues. In some cases, minor foundation issues don't have to be a deal-breaker.
Walls can crack due to humidity, natural settling, sagging ceilings and more. Unfortunately, cracked walls aren't typically covered under homeowners insurance.
The good news is not all foundation cracks affect your home's structural integrity. Sometimes they're just ugly and caused by shrinkage during the concrete curing process. These unsightly, non-structural shrinkage cracks (often hairline cracks) don't put your home in immediate danger.
Symptoms of Foundation Settling
Hairline cracks are less than ⅛-inch wide. Neither side of the crack rises above the other, and the crack doesn't usually span from slab to wall or between walls. Sometimes, you might see a thin hairline crack on your concrete block wall in the shape of a stair step.
Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors: Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors can indicate that your home's structure has shifted. Foundation settlement, soil movement, or poor construction can cause this. Bowing or leaning walls: Walls that bow or lean inward or outward can signify structural damage.
For cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or those accompanied by other signs of foundation problems, it's best to consult a professional. A structural engineer can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate repair methods.
Water in the soil around a home puts pressure on the foundation that can cause cracks, leaks, and structural damage.
In most cases, interior crack repair will be a better option, saving you time and money, however, you might consider an exterior repair if: The crack is in a hard to reach place. Your foundation walls are made from cinderblock or fieldstone. You have a finished basement you don't want to disturb.