Types of cracks we see
- Hairline slab cracks: usually shrinkage, often cosmetic
- Cracks wider than about 1/8 inch, or with one side higher than the other: often settlement
- Stair-step cracks in brick veneer: a common sign of foundation movement
- Diagonal cracks above doors and windows inside the house
- Cracks in tile floors that run in a line across a room
How we repair cracks
If the crack is cosmetic, we can seal it to keep out moisture and insects. If it's caused by movement, sealing alone won't last, because the crack will reopen. In that case we stabilize the foundation first with piers or drainage work, then repair the cracks in the slab, brick and interior finishes once the house is stable.
Why the cause matters
Patching a moving crack is like painting over a leak. It looks better for a while, then comes back. Our inspection measures whether the house is moving and where, so you're not paying to fix the same crack twice.
Brick and mortar repair
When a foundation settles, the brick veneer on the outside often cracks or separates from window and door frames. After the foundation is stabilized, we can tuckpoint cracked mortar joints and replace damaged bricks so the outside of your home looks right again.
Track a crack before we arrive
Take a dated photo of each crack with a coin or tape measure beside it, and make a light pencil mark at both ends. Check it every few weeks. If it grows past your marks or gets wider, the house is likely still moving. That record helps us tell the difference between an old, stable crack and active movement, and it costs you nothing.
Crack repair questions
Is a crack in my garage slab a problem? Usually not by itself. Garage slabs often crack as the concrete cures. It's worth a look if one side is higher than the other, the crack keeps widening, or you also see sticking doors and sheetrock cracks inside.
Will insurance cover foundation cracks? Most homeowner policies exclude settlement, but some cover damage from a sudden plumbing leak. Check your policy; our written report can help if you file a claim.