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Foundation cracks are one of the most common concerns homeowners face. While some cracks are harmless and part of normal settling, others can indicate more serious structural issues.
Understanding the difference is key to protecting your home and avoiding unnecessary repairs—or worse, ignoring a problem that could worsen over time.
If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls or foundation, it’s important to act early. Contact TerraFirma today to schedule an inspection and determine whether your home needs repair.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks don’t happen randomly. They’re usually the result of changes in the soil or environment around your home.
Soil Movement and Settlement
One of the most common causes is shifting soil beneath the foundation. As soil compacts or moves over time, it can cause the foundation to settle unevenly, leading to cracks.
Moisture Changes and Water Pressure
Water plays a major role in foundation damage. When soil becomes saturated, it expands and puts pressure on foundation walls. A force known as hydrostatic pressure.
Poor Drainage
Water pooling around your home due to improper drainage can weaken the soil and create voids beneath the foundation.
Concrete Shrinkage
In newer homes, small cracks can appear as concrete cures and naturally shrinks. These are often harmless.
Temperature and Seasonal Changes
In regions with fluctuating weather, soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating stress on the foundation.
What types of foundation cracks should you watch for?
Not all cracks are created equal. The direction, size, and location of a crack can tell you a lot about what’s happening beneath your home.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks run straight up and down and are among the most common.
- Often caused by normal settling
- Usually less serious if small
- Should be monitored for growth
In many cases, vertical cracks are cosmetic unless they widen or allow water intrusion.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks typically appear at an angle, often starting at corners.
- Caused by uneven settlement
- May indicate shifting soil
- Can worsen over time if not addressed
These cracks are common but should be evaluated if they grow or widen.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are the most serious type.
- Caused by pressure from soil and water
- Often indicate structural stress
- Can lead to wall failure if ignored
These cracks are typically linked to hydrostatic pressure and should be inspected immediately.
When are foundation cracks a serious structural problem?
Because cracks grow so slowly, it’s easy to feel like the problem isn’t getting any worse, and it’s understandable that you’d want to ignore the problem completely. But, even if you can’t see the cracks growing in real time, your home’s foundation is still suffering, and eventually, the foundation will likely fail, which will then leave you with an unfortunate and expensive situation. It will never be cheaper to fix your foundation than it is today.
A professional evaluation can help determine what type of crack you’re dealing with and whether it requires repair.
Why foundation cracks often get worse over time
While some cracks are harmless, others require immediate attention.
Signs a Crack May Be Serious
- Wider than 1/8 to 1/4 inch
- Growing over time
- Horizontal or stair-step pattern
- Accompanied by bowing walls
- Letting in water or moisture
Cracks that change or worsen are often a sign of ongoing structural movement.
How Foundation Cracks Are Repaired
The appropriate repair method depends on the cause and severity of the crack.
Minor cracks may be sealed to prevent water intrusion and protect the structure.
More significant issues may require reinforcement systems to stabilize the foundation and prevent further movement.
In cases of settlement, stabilization methods such as pier systems may be used to restore structural integrity.
How to choose a foundation repair contractor
Addressing foundation cracks early can prevent more serious problems from developing.
Small cracks can grow over time, leading to larger structural issues and higher repair costs. Early intervention allows for simpler, more cost-effective solutions.
Schedule a foundation inspection with a TerraFirma Foundation Systems specialist today. We serve homeowners throughout Oregon and Washington and provide clear, engineered solutions you can trust.
