Most property owners will see cracks in their foundation at some point. Some are harmless, but others can be a sign that something is seriously wrong. The trouble is, it’s not always easy to tell which is which. That’s where we come in. As experienced foundation repair specialists, we know what to look for and when a crack deserves your attention.
What Kinds of Foundation Cracks Should You Be Concerned About?
Below, we’ll walk through the types of cracks you should never ignore and what they might mean for your structure.
1. Horizontal Cracks
These cracks often run along basement or crawl space walls. They’re usually caused by lateral pressure from expanding soil or poor drainage. Over time, this stress can cause walls to bow inward.
- Causes: Hydrostatic pressure, water buildup, poor grading
- Location: Basement or crawl space walls
- Signs: Bowed walls, inward bulging, dampness
Next steps? Get a professional inspection right away. These are structural and should not be ignored.
2. Stair-Step Cracks in Brick or Block
These building cracks follow the mortar joints in a zigzag pattern. They often indicate that the foundation is settling unevenly or shifting.
- Causes: Soil movement, poor compaction, drought
- Location: Exterior brick or block walls, often near corners or window frames
- Signs: Cracks widen at the top or bottom, bricks separating
Next steps? Monitor for growth. If it spreads or gaps appear, schedule an inspection.
3. Vertical Cracks Wider Than 1/8 Inch
Thin vertical cracks are normal as concrete cures. But if they grow wider than 1/8 inch, or if water is leaking through, it’s time to act.
- Causes: Foundation settling, shrinkage, soil pressure
- Location: Basement walls, crawl spaces, exterior foundation
- Signs: Cracks that widen over time, water stains, damp smell
Next steps? Measure and track over time. If they grow, contact a repair expert.
4. Cracks Accompanied by Other Signs
Cracks often don’t show up alone. They may be joined by doors that stick or floors that slope. These combined signs usually mean movement under the building.
- Causes: Foundation settlement, soil washout, excessive moisture
- Location: Throughout the building
- Signs: Sticking doors/windows, sagging floors, baseboard gaps
Next steps? Don’t wait. These combined issues point to deeper problems.
5. Cracks in Slab Floors
Not all floor cracks are a concern. But when you see spreading patterns or multiple cracks, they may be signaling something bigger below the surface.
- Causes: Expansive soil, plumbing leaks, poor soil compaction
- Location: Garage, basement, or ground-level slab floors
- Signs: Wide cracks, uneven slabs, movement when walked on
Next steps? Have the area checked for soil issues or foundation movement.
What Causes Serious Cracks?
Over the years, we’ve seen how much damage can happen when the soil around a building shifts or holds too much moisture. What you don’t see under the surface often ends up causing the most trouble. A lot of building owners are surprised to learn that something as simple as poor drainage or a hidden plumbing leak can lead to major cracks in their foundation. Here’s what we look for:
- Expansive clay soils (common in Houston)
- Poor drainage and water pooling around the foundation
- Tree roots seeking moisture near the slab
- Plumbing leaks softening soil
- Poor construction or inadequate compaction
How We Help at Leveled Concrete
Our team specializes in polyurethane foam injection to lift and stabilize foundations that have shifted. This method is clean, quick, and gets real results without tearing up your property. We always look at the full structure, not just the surface cracks, so we can fix the actual cause. When we inspect a property, we’re looking for long-term solutions that work. Our crew is trained, experienced, and respectful of your space and time.
Don’t Wait Until Cracks Get Worse!
The biggest takeaway here is that foundation cracks don’t go away. They get worse, more expensive, and riskier the longer you wait. Early repairs are almost always more affordable and much less intrusive. Our team at Leveled Concrete is here to help with honest advice, no pressure, and solutions that make sense. If you’re seeing signs of cracking, let us take a look and help you protect your foundation. We proudly serve the Houston and San Antonio areas.