How to Repair Cracks in Concrete Foundation Walls
Concrete foundation wall cracks are a common concern for homeowners, whether you’ve just moved in or have lived in your home for years. While concrete is strong, it can still crack over time due to soil movement, pressure, or moisture issues. Some cracks are minor, but others, such as horizontal cracks, stairstep patterns in masonry, or cracks that span walls and ceilings, can indicate major structural problems.
This page explores these cracks and outlines the best foundation repair methods to address them.
How Are Concrete Foundation Walls Built?
Concrete foundation walls are built by pouring concrete into forms to create the footings, walls, and floor slab that support the structure of a home. Homes with basements typically feature concrete foundation walls. After the concrete cures, drainage systems are installed, the soil is backfilled, and construction continues on the rest of the home.
Why Do Concrete Walls Crack?
Concrete walls crack due to external stress, movement, or shrinkage. These cracks vary in severity and may be cosmetic or signs of deeper structural damage.
Foundation cracks come in several forms, each indicating different underlying issues, such as soil movement, pressure, or concrete shrinkage. Common types include:
- Vertical Cracks: Run floor to ceiling. Often from shrinkage or settlement. May indicate inward movement.
- Horizontal Cracks: Run parallel to the floor, usually in block walls. Typically caused by hydrostatic pressure or lateral soil movement.
- Diagonal Cracks: These appear at an angle, typically caused by uneven settlement or sloping soil, especially in drought-prone or hillside areas.
- Stairstep Cracks: Follow mortar joints in block or brick walls. Typically, the result is from shifting or settling.
- Shrinkage Cracks: Fine hairline cracks that occur during the curing process of concrete. Usually harmless, but can leak.
- Active Cracks: Ongoing movement causes the widening or spreading of the crack. These require immediate professional attention.
How to Tell if Cracks Are Serious?
Cracks are serious when they indicate structural damage rather than minor settling or shrinkage. You should be concerned if:
- Cracks extend from the ceiling to the wall or from the floor to the wall.
- Long horizontal cracks run the length of a wall, especially if the wall is bowed.
- Stairstep cracks appear on interior or exterior masonry walls.
- Large cracks form near windows or door corners.
- Gaps develop between walls, ceilings, or floors.
- Trim or molding is pulling away or appears misaligned.
Hairline cracks are usually not a cause for concern, but wider, longer, or spreading cracks often signal foundation problems that require professional repair.
What Causes of Foundation Wall Cracks?
Foundation wall cracks are caused by two primary factors: foundation settlement and hydrostatic pressure.
What is Foundation Settlement?
Foundation settlement is when the foundation footing sinks into the soil below it. Usually, this is because of certain weather conditions (such as heavy rain, flooding, or drought), causing the soil to become weak.
There are thousands of different soil types across the country, but the basic components of soil are found everywhere: clay, silt, and sand. Clay, known as an expansive soil, is the most problematic component.
When clay soil particles are wet, they swell in size and cause foundation walls to shift out of alignment. When clay particles dry out, the soil shrinks and becomes brittle, causing the foundation to sink into the weak soil.
What is Hydrostatic Pressure?
Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by water in the soil around your basement. When it rains, the soil absorbs water. This extra weight pushes against your basement walls.
Over time, the constant pressure can cause the walls to crack or bow inward. Cracks allow water to seep into your basement, leading to further damage. To prevent this, it’s important to manage water around your home with proper drainage and yard grading practices.
How to Repair Foundation Wall Cracks
Repairing foundation wall cracks is crucial for maintaining your home’s integrity and ensuring safety. There are many options, but only some solutions stand the test of time. Let’s examine which repair methods are effective and which are not.
Crack Repairs That Do Not Work
Repairing foundation wall cracks is essential for protecting your home’s structural integrity, but not all methods are effective. While big-box stores and online tutorials offer DIY crack repair solutions, like epoxy injections, caulk, patches, and sealants, these temporary fixes only mask the symptoms and fail to address the underlying soil issues that cause the cracks.
Foundation repair is not a DIY project; mistakes are common, and using the wrong method can lead to bigger problems over time. The most reliable approach is to work with a professional team like Groundworks, which has the training and expertise to provide permanent, long-lasting repairs.
Permanent Foundation Wall Repair Options
Professional repairs address existing basement wall cracks and prevent future damage with specialized options. After a free inspection, your local Groundworks experts may recommend one of the following proven solutions:
Carbon Fiber Straps
Carbon fiber wall reinforcements are best for: Early-stage cracks or bowing up to two inches.
- Low-profile and non-invasive
- 10x stronger than steel
- Bonded with epoxy to reinforce the wall
- Prevents further movement but does not push the wall back
IntelliBrace™ Steel I-Beam
IntelliBrace wall repair system is best suited for: Moderate to severe inward movement.
- Installed on the inside of the foundation wall
- Adjustable over time to help straighten the wall
- No exterior excavation required
- Resists hydrostatic pressure and stabilizes the structure
Wall Anchors
Wall anchors are best for: Severe bowing or structural shifting.
- Earth anchors installed in stable soil outside the home
- Steel rods connect interior wall plates to exterior anchors
- Can be tightened gradually to help straighten walls
- Compatible with pier systems for foundations that are also settling
If the foundation is settling, our various pier systems, including helical piers, push piers, or slab piers, can be installed to permanently stabilize and lift affected areas. Once the structure is stabilized, visible wall cracks are sealed, but long-term success depends on correcting the root cause of the damage.
Groundworks: Expert Foundation Wall Crack Repair
Whether it’s a minor issue or a sign of structural failure, Groundworks offers free inspections and permanent repair options tailored to your needs and budget.
Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn more about safeguarding your home. We have the expertise to put your home back on solid ground.
Foundation Crack FAQs
Homeowner’s insurance usually does not cover foundation repair. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn the details of your policy. Factors such as the age, type, and location of the foundation will influence whether your home is eligible for coverage. Groundworks offers affordable financing options. Contact us to learn more.
Ignoring foundation cracks can lead to various problems that can become costly both in terms of money and health. The cracks can become more extensive, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire foundation. Other risks include water infiltration, mold growth, and pest intrusion. All these issues can endanger your family’s safety and decrease the overall value of your home.
DIY fixes are not the answer. To get to the root of the problem, repair professionals need to inspect your foundation. Depending on where the cracks are, what they mean, and the extent of the damage, your house could benefit from a variety of solutions. For example, if your house is settling, helical piers will be used to stabilize and potentially lift it. For significant wall issues, repairs like wall anchors or beams can be used as reinforcements.
