What Does Cracked Brick Mean for Your Home’s Foundation?
Noticing cracked brick around your home can be concerning, especially when you’re unsure whether the damage is cosmetic or a sign of a foundation problem. While some cracks may develop from normal aging, others can indicate movement beneath your home that should be evaluated. Knowing what to look for and taking action early can help you better understand what’s happening. If you’ve noticed cracks in your brick exterior, call TFS – The Foundation Specialists today to schedule a free foundation inspection and get a professional assessment of your home.
Why Does Brick Crack?
Brick is strong and durable, but it isn’t designed to flex very much. When the structure supporting a brick wall shifts, the brick and mortar can begin to crack.
There are several possible causes, including:
- Foundation settlement: Soil beneath a home can compress or shift over time, allowing portions of the foundation to settle.
- Expansive soil: Some soils expand when they absorb moisture and shrink when they dry, potentially creating movement beneath the foundation.
- Drainage problems: Water collecting near the foundation can affect the surrounding soil and contribute to movement.
- Temperature changes: Brick and other building materials naturally expand and contract with temperature.
- Normal aging: Mortar joints and masonry can deteriorate over time, particularly when exposed to moisture and changing weather conditions.
Because there are multiple possible causes, the location, size, and pattern of the crack can provide important clues.
What Does a Foundation Crack Look Like on a Brick Home?
Not every cracked brick means your home has a serious foundation issue. However, certain crack patterns may be associated with foundation movement.
Stair-Step Cracks
Stair-step cracks travel through mortar joints in a pattern resembling a staircase. These cracks can appear when one section of a foundation settles differently from another.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks may appear near windows, doors, or other openings. Since these areas can be vulnerable to structural movement, diagonal cracking may warrant a closer look.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks running across a brick wall should not be ignored. Depending on their cause and location, they may indicate pressure or movement affecting the wall.
Cracks Through the Brick Itself
When a crack travels through the brick rather than only through the mortar, it can indicate that significant stress has been placed on the masonry.
The crack pattern alone doesn’t provide a complete diagnosis. A professional foundation inspection can help determine what may be causing the damage.
What Should I Do When I See Cracked Brick?
If you discover cracked brick around your home, avoid simply covering it with mortar or another cosmetic repair before determining why the crack developed. Repairing the visible damage without addressing an underlying problem may allow the crack to return.
Instead, take a few simple steps:
- Document the crack. Take clear photos and note when you first noticed it.
- Look for other changes. Check the rest of your home for additional cracks or signs of movement.
- Pay attention to doors and windows. Doors or windows that suddenly stick, become difficult to open, or no longer fit properly may accompany foundation movement.
- Check interior walls and floors. Look for drywall cracks, gaps around trim, uneven floors, or separation between walls and ceilings.
- Schedule a professional inspection. A foundation specialist can evaluate the home and help identify whether the cracking is related to foundation movement.
Should I Repair the Brick First?
If foundation movement is contributing to the damage, repairing the masonry first may only provide a temporary cosmetic fix. The brick could crack again if the underlying movement continues.
That’s why identifying the source of the problem should come before repairing the visible damage. If foundation repair is recommended, addressing the foundation first can help create a more stable starting point for subsequent masonry repairs.
When Should I Be Concerned About Brick Cracks?
It’s a good idea to have cracks evaluated when you notice changes such as:
- Cracks that are growing wider or longer
- Multiple stair-step or diagonal cracks
- Separation around windows, doors, or garage openings
- Doors and windows that stick or no longer close correctly
- Cracks appearing on both the interior and exterior of the home
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps developing between walls, ceilings, floors, or trim
A single symptom doesn’t necessarily mean your home needs foundation repair. However, several symptoms occurring together can make a professional evaluation especially important.
Don’t Ignore Cracks in Your Brick Home
Finding cracked brick doesn’t automatically mean your home has a major foundation problem, but it is worth understanding why the damage appeared. Catching potential foundation concerns early can give you more information about your home and help prevent you from relying on cosmetic repairs that don’t address the underlying cause. If you’ve spotted brick cracks or other signs of foundation movement, call TFS – The Foundation Specialists today to schedule your free foundation inspection and get answers from a foundation professional.
For regular before & after stories and industry updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.