What Do the Different Types of Cracks in Brick Walls Mean?

Your home is constantly communicating with you. Do you understand what it’s saying? Those creaking noises you hear occasionally are usually caused by the expansion and contraction of the materials your home was built with, such as wood and steel. These sounds are often due to changes in temperature and humidity. Visible cracks in walls and other structures in your home can mean something, too! For example, cracks in brick walls are key indicators of potential foundation issues. 

There are different types of cracks that can develop in a brick wall. But what do those cracks mean? And will you need professional foundation repair? As a homeowner asking these questions, the first step you can take is to learn how to recognize and understand the different types of cracks you may be seeing around your house. This knowledge will help you maintain a more stable foundation.

Diagonal or Stair Step Cracks

One of the most common types of cracks found in brick homes is the diagonal or stair step crack. These cracks can appear on brick exteriors, block walls, and along foundation walls. They are also often visible near windows, doors, and garage lintels.

A stair step crack usually points to uneven foundation settlement, when parts of the foundation are settling at different rates. This type of crack is typically wider at the top than at the bottom, with the wider end indicating the direction of movement. When these cracks appear near windows and doors, they may start at the top of a window and extend downward toward the base.

Vertical Cracks

Like stair step cracks, vertical cracks can also signal foundation settlement. If a vertical crack is wider at the bottom than at the top, it may indicate sagging in the foundation that requires attention. However, small vertical cracks can sometimes result from the natural curing or aging process of concrete rather than a structural issue.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks in brick walls are often found near the corners of a home and are typically easy to identify. If one end of the crack is wider than the other, it suggests settlement on the wider side, indicating where the issue originated.

In some cases, horizontal cracks are not directly related to foundation issues. For example, mortar can separate due to improper curing, or in the case of a garage lintel, rust can cause expansion, leading to horizontal cracks above the lintel. This type of cracking is not due to foundation movement, and using piers or underpinning in this situation may lead to further damage. Consulting a general contractor to assess and replace a compromised lintel may be necessary.

However, horizontal cracks in basement walls or other lower parts of the home can be a sign of serious foundation problems. These cracks may result from external soil pressure and require immediate evaluation by a foundation repair specialist.

Interior Cracks

Interior drywall cracks, especially those found around windows and doors, can further confirm foundation settlement when observed alongside exterior cracks. These cracks are often diagonal but can also be vertical or horizontal. However, not all foundation issues result in visible drywall cracks.

What Your Home is Communicating With Brick Cracks

If you notice brick wall cracks, your home is signaling that something may need attention. Measuring the width of a crack can help monitor foundation movement over time. If you observe rapid changes in the size of a crack, it’s time to contact a foundation repair professional. Identifying and addressing issues early can prevent worsening structural damage.

Homeowners in Birmingham, Pelham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, and other communities in Alabama can turn to Ox Foundation Solutions to assess and resolve any foundation concerns. If you spot cracks in your brick walls or drywall, contact our team to schedule a free estimate and learn more about our foundation repair services. We’re here to help your house stay strong…Ox Strong!