When should you worry about a crack in your basement? We’ll ease into it by saying you should always be aware of cracks in your basement. It’s not uncommon to discover a flaw on the wall or floor, especially in older homes. It may be a result of the concrete curing or normal settling. It may just be cosmetic. When you’re putting seasonal decorations away, throwing in a load of laundry, or sitting down to play games, take a glance. Anything new and developing? Any changes?
This leads to the bigger questions: When should awareness turn into concern? And when should concern translate into action?
Is This Normal?
We will preface this section by saying we are speaking in generalities. Without going into your basement and doing a thorough assessment and evaluation, we cannot say with certainty that a crack is just a crack. That emphasized, when you notice the following, it’s usually normal:
Vertical Curing Cracks
Concrete shrinks as it cures, and oftentimes, it creates fine vertical hairline cracks within the first year or two of installation. These are usually less than 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch wide (about the thickness of a penny or a credit card). They remain stable over time, which is why being aware of cracks is important. If there’s no change, then it’s usually just a byproduct of the curing process.
Vertical Settling Cracks
Another natural side effect of the construction process is that the home will settle into the soil. This results in narrow vertical cracks. Look to see if it is widening over time and if it allows any water into the basement. If not, it may just be a cosmetic issue and not a structural one.
Minor Floor Slab Cracks
Most basement floors consist of slabs of concrete that rest on the ground. As such, you may see small cracks as concrete cures or expands and contracts in response to the temperature.
Isolated, Unchanging Cracks
It is possible that a small isolated crack that hasn’t changed in years or caused any other issues (such as moisture infiltration) is just a blemish and not an indication of a structural or foundation issue.
As a homeowner, ask yourself the following:
- Is the crack vertical rather than horizontal?
- Is it less than 1/8 inch wide?
- Has the crack grown or changed in any way over time?
- Is there any sign of water infiltration (including a musty scent)?
- Is there any sign of damage, such as uneven floors, sticking doors, bowing walls?
Vertical cracks that are less than 1/8 inch wide, stable, isolated, and which do not have seepage or cause any other issues are typically not a cause for concern.
When to Be Concerned About Basement Cracks
While some cracks are harmless, others can signal serious problems. These can include movement of the foundation, excessive soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure (i.e., water building up against the exterior of the home), or water infiltration. What begins as a small problem can grow into an expensive and invasive repair.
Be concerned when the answers to our previous questions are not favorable. The crack is horizontal or diagonal and larger than 1/8 inch wide. It is growing. It is allowing water to seep in. It coincides with structural changes, like uneven floors, sticking doors, and bowing walls.
You may have noticed that we’ve mentioned “vertical” cracks several times. They often point to a cosmetic versus a structural issue. Where we start to see clear signs of more serious problems are when the cracks follow a horizontal, “stair-step,” or diagonal path.
Horizontal and stair-step cracks (which are zigzag breaks that follow mortar joints in concrete) indicate that there is significant:
- Foundation Settling/Shifting. Minor settling is normal. Excessive movement, though, can cause your home’s structure to essentially twist and warp. Cracked walls, plumbing leaks, malfunctioning doors, and other structural damage can occur.
- Hydrostatic Pressure. If cracks appear because of excessive hydrostatic pressure, you are likely to also begin noticing that your basement walls bow inward, buckle, or leak. Your floors may also heave upward.
This can also cause cracks in load-bearing areas, which compromises the structural integrity of the home.
Diagonal cracks signal that one area of your home is sinking or settling faster than the rest. Again, a small crack, whether it’s horizontal, stair-step, or diagonal, can grow into a major headache if not addressed quickly.
Who to Call
Catching these issues early results in simpler, more budget-friendly solutions. When you’re not sure if you should worry, or you’ve already crossed into full-on concern, call Jaco. We offer free estimates, so if you ever think something might need a check, it doesn’t hurt to play it safe! Our experienced team will provide a complete assessment and evaluation of the situation, determine what action needs to be taken, and ensure your basement is stable, safe, and dry, whether that is addressing cracks or working proactively with waterproofing.
Peace of mind, and your home’s integrity, are priceless. Contact Jaco.