Written by Kristine Tucker; Updated December 15, 2018

The most common cause of horizontal cracks in concrete block foundation walls is excessive unbalanced soil pressure. Mac os yosemite dmg. This type of movement will have horizontal cracks that may occur near the center of the wall or nearer to the top of the wall. Horizontal Cracks. Download latex mac el capitan. Sometimes a concrete or block basement wall will bow inward and develop a horizontal crack mid-height; this is where the wall feels the maximum stress from the force of the earth pushing against it.

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There's no exact method for determining how serious a wall crack is without hiring an expert to examine the wall, but you might be able to analyze the crack and surrounding area to determine whether it's likely a surface blemish or a larger problem. Houses usually settle during the first few months and even years after construction, so minor wall cracks are likely. However, gaping cracks, separation and horizontal crack lines might be signs that the issues are more severe.

Horizontal Cracks

To determine how serious a wall crack might be, it's best to examine the shape of the crack and the direction it runs on the wall. If the crack is vertical and starts near the apex where the wall and ceiling meet, it might be a sign that it was created when the foundation settled after construction. Vertical cracks run the same direction as drywall, generally making them less serious. If the crack is horizontal or runs at a jagged 45-degree angle, it might mean there's a more serious problem such as severe foundation shifting or water damage. Download mirror patch 1.7 mac. Surface-blemish cracks can often be repaired with drywall putty, sanding tools and a fresh coat of paint. More severe cracks usually require professional help to determine the exact cause and might include some reconstruction to prevent further damage.

Stair-Step Cracks

A stair-step crack looks like a flight of stairs and runs in both vertical and horizontal directions across the wall. The continuous pattern usually follows the grout or cement lines between cinder blocks. According to Almost Home, stair-step cracks in cinder block foundation walls — usually found in unfinished basements — are a result of soil settling beneath the center of the wall. The only sure way to tell if the issue is serious is to hire an an engineer to perform soil tests and core drill tests to determine what repairs are needed.

Doors and Windows

Another way to test the seriousness of a wall crack is to open and close internal doors to bedrooms and bathrooms and evaluate whether the doors stick. Audacity free download mac. If so, ensure the sticking isn't a result of paint, faulty hardware or cracked wood. If you determine there's nothing obstructing the swinging motion of the door, it might be a sign of a moderate to severe foundation change, often resulting in wall cracks. According to MSN Real Estate, sticky doors could indicate that the frame has been twisted by a shifting house. If you notice a visible gap at the top of a sticky door where it meets the door frame and you see light shining through, that might also signal a serious settlement problem, often resulting in jagged, horizontal cracks on nearby walls.

Foundation Cracks Vertical Vs Horizontal

Visible Nails

Study the wall area surrounding the crack and look for nail heads or screw heads that might be visible on the surface of the wall. The nail or screw might not have damaged the drywall, but it has likely pulled away from the wooden stud beneath. Hp laserjet pro 400 m401dw user manual. This phenomenon is often known as 'nail pops' or 'nail popping' and might be a sign of structural problems. Nail pops are frequently associated with more serious wall cracks and often signal significant drywall shear movement.

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About the Author

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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Tucker, Kristine. 'How to Determine if the Cracks in Walls Are Serious.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-cracks-walls-serious-37395.html. 15 December 2018.

Tucker, Kristine. (2018, December 15). How to Determine if the Cracks in Walls Are Serious. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-cracks-walls-serious-37395.html

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Tucker, Kristine. 'How to Determine if the Cracks in Walls Are Serious' last modified December 15, 2018. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-cracks-walls-serious-37395.html

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