What are Wall Cracks?

Wall cracks are lines that can appear on the walls of buildings. They can be big or small and happen for different reasons like:

• Settling: Buildings move a bit over time, which can cause cracks.
• Moisture: Water can make building materials expand and shrink, leading to cracks.
• Temperature Changes: Hot and cold weather can make materials change size, causing cracks.

Types of Wall Cracks

Horizontal Wall Cracks

• Description: These cracks run side to side, parallel to the ground.
• Causes: Pressure from soil pushing against the building foundation.
• Potential Risks: They can mean big foundation problems and need fixing quickly.

Vertical Wall Cracks

• Description: These cracks go up and down.
• Causes: Typically, they are from the foundation settling or shrinking.
• Potential Risks: They are usually less worrisome but can still show settlement issues.

Diagonal Wall Cracks

• Description: These cracks run at an angle across the wall.
• Causes: Often due to different parts of the foundation settling unevenly.
• Potential Risks: They can signal more serious problems if not fixed.

Hairline Wall Cracks

• Description: Very thin cracks that are sometimes hard to see.
• Causes: Usually from the building settling or new materials drying.
• Potential Risks: They are not usually serious but should be watched for changes.

Stair-Step Wall Cracks

• Description: These cracks look like stairs and follow the lines between bricks or blocks.
• Causes: Often show uneven foundation settling or movement.
• Potential Risks: They can mean serious problems and should be checked by a professional.

When to Worry About Wall Cracks

You don’t need to worry about all wall cracks, but you should pay attention if:

• Cracks are wider than 1/4 inch: This can mean big movement.
• Cracks are getting bigger: Ongoing movement suggests problems.
• Other signs: Sticking doors/windows and uneven floors can show bigger foundation issues.

How to Check Wall Cracks

DIY Inspection Tips

• Measure the Cracks: Use a ruler or tape to check the size of the crack.
• Note Patterns and Locations: Write down where you see cracks and if they change.
• Take Photos: Take clear, dated photos to compare over time.

Professional Inspection

When to Call an Expert

If you see big cracks or other warning signs, call a professional.

What Experts Do

• Use Special Tools: They might use lasers, moisture meters, and soil tests to check the cracks.
• Suggest Fixes: Depending on the problem, they might suggest small repairs or bigger foundation work.

Fixing Wall Cracks

DIY Repairs

• Caulking and Sealing: Use caulk to fill small cracks.
• Crack Injection Kits: These can help seal bigger cracks from the inside.

Professional Repairs

• Epoxy or Polyurethane Injection: Good for sealing and stabilizing larger cracks.
• Wall Anchors and Carbon Fiber Strips: Help support and stabilize walls with big problems.
• Foundation Repair: In serious cases, bigger fixes like underpinning might be needed.

Preventing Future Wall Cracks

Regular Care Tips

• Control Moisture: Make sure gutters send water away from the house.
• Good Drainage: Ensure the soil around the house slopes away to keep water from building up.
• Regular Checks: Inspect and maintain the foundation to catch problems early.

Real-Life Stories from Homeowners

Examples

• Finding the Problem: Homeowners found cracks during a routine check.
• Taking Action: They called Foundation Repair Canada and did what was suggested.
• Success: The repairs worked well, and homeowners were happy.

FAQs About Wall Cracks

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I ignore small cracks? Some small cracks are okay, but you should watch them for changes.
• How often should I check for cracks? It’s good to check twice a year.
• How much does repair cost? Costs vary. DIY fixes are cheaper, but professional work can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Recap

Knowing about wall cracks and fixing them early can stop bigger problems. Regular checking and maintenance are key. If you need help, call Foundation Repair Canada to keep your home safe.