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  Rapid Foundation Repair, Inc.
  Black Hawk, South Dakota
605.716.0300
 
 
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Basement Wall Cracks

 
Causes

Regardless of their construction, walls crack because they are overloaded or because the structure has settled or heaved. Vertical and angled cracks are usually caused by settlement or heaving. Horizontal cracks are more likely to be caused by lateral pressure.

Understanding these foundation cracks is the first step to fixing your foundation. As the illustrations below show cracks come in many forms and have varying meanings. Cracks of .064” or less generally do not leak. Wall cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom indicate settlement.

If you foundation has cracks it is time to contact a foundation expert to diagnose the cause and severity of these cracks. This analysis will also let you know if you are in the need for foundation repair.

Rapid Foundation Repair always recommends that you contact an engineer before having foundation repair work done on your home.

 
 
1. Angled and Horizontal   2. Angled
     
     
 
Bow
 
 
     
     
 
Settlement
 
     
3. Vertical and Horizontal   4. Center Converging
     
     
 
Bow or Settlement
 
 
     
     
 
Bow or Settlement
 
     
5. Horizontal   6. Stair Step
     
     
 
Bow
 
 
     
     
 
Heave or Settlement
 
     
7. Vertical   8. Vertical
     
     
 
Settlement or Heaving
 
 
     
     
 
Settlement
 
     
9. Vertical wider at top   10. Wider at top than bottom
     
     
 
Side Settlement
 
 
     
     
 
Differential Settlement
 
     
11. Vertical wider at bottom   12. Stair Step
     
     
 
Center Settlement
 
 
     
     
 
Differential Settlement
 
     
 
 
Get help with your Foundation Problem
Learn about Methods of Foundation Repair
 
 
  We can help with
 

• Gaps around doors and windows
• Sticking doors and windows
• Water related structural problems
• Walls leaning in or out
• Bowed walls
• Damage caused by heaving soils
• Cracks in the foundation
• Cracks in concrete floors
• Cracked brick walls or chimneys
• Sloping floors
• Expansive clay issues
• Foundation repair information
• Finding an engineer