Cracks in the walls of your home are never a pleasant sight. But while most are just a decorative nuisance and can be easily fixed, some are a major cause for concern.
What causes cracks in the walls of my home?
It’s likely your house will experience cracks in the walls at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and caused by one of the following:
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- In new builds and extensions, the foundations will settle under their own weight causing slight cracks in the walls.
- In older houses, temperature changes and variations in humidity levels will cause the structure to sink and swell over time.
- Newly plastered walls can often experience hairline cracks as they dry out.
- If you live on a busy road, cracks in your house may be caused by road traffic vibration.
- Timber window frames replaced with uPVC double glazing can cause cracks around the window if a supporting lintel isn’t fitted.
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Cracks caused by the above tend to be superficial and can be easily fixed. But anything larger could be a sign of serious structural problems, like damage to the foundations or subsidence issues.
Larger cracks can be caused by:
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- Drainage damage and underground leaks.
- Roots from nearby trees spread into the foundations and suck away moisture from the soil below your home.
- Flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in clay soil areas.
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- Prolonged dry weather – there was a 300% increase in subsidence-related claims due to the hot, dry weather experienced in July, August, and September 2018, compared with the previous three months.
- Poor foundations – older buildings can sometimes have much shallower foundations than modern buildings, making them potentially less stable. Poor materials can also allow buildings of any age to shift.
- Mining– in some parts of the UK, local underground mines, including those long-disused, can cause damage.
- Lintel failure – where support for the brickwork above the opening of a window or door is poor or non-existent. Look for diagonal cracks, sometimes mistaken for subsidence.
How can I tell if the type of cracks in my house is serious?
No crack is the same! They can vary in length, width, and direction. Typically, larger cracks (those bigger than 15mm in width) are a cause for concern. You’ll want to get these inspected by a structural engineer.
Subsidence cracks usually appear quite suddenly, rather than slowly over time. They’re usually diagonal and wider at the top than at the bottom and are often found around doors and windows. Lintel failure may need to be ruled out first, as these types of cracks can look similar.
Types of cracks:
Negligible – hairline cracks less than 1mm in width. These can be easily fixed by redecorating.
Slight – cracks between 1mm and 5mm in width, which can be fixed with filler. You might need to repoint exterior cracks.
Moderate – cracks between 5mm and 15mm may need professional building work and there might be underlying repairs.
Severe – cracks up to 25mm wide could be a sign of structural damage and should be inspected and repaired by a professional.
Very severe – any crack above 25mm in width indicates serious structural damage and will need major repair work, which could include underpinning and rebuilding. Subsidence cracks can be wider at the top than the bottom and are likely to be visible from outside the property as well as inside.
Vertical cracks – these kinds of small cracks often appear in plastered walls in new properties. They can happen when the plaster expands in humidity and shrinks as it dries. Instead of filling and repainting them straight away, you should wait a while before filling the cracks and repainting, as more could appear. If vertical cracks are wider than 0.5cm, there could be a more serious cause, which should be investigated.
Diagonal cracks – these can look, in shape, like a set of stairs going along your wall. They could be a sign of structural movement. Take them seriously.
Some diagonal cracks around doors and windows can appear because the lintel above is missing, weak, or badly installed. It’s best to get expert help to determine the cause of the problem.
Are cracks in my home covered by my building’s insurance?
For homeowners, cracks caused by subsidence should be covered by your building’s insurance. But you’ll have to pay an excess, which is often larger than for claims on the rest of your cover. If you do make a claim, your insurance provider will sometimes want to monitor the crack before deciding on how best to remedy the situation.
But cracks caused by natural settlement, thermal movement, and lintel failure will be considered a maintenance issue – and because buildings insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear or normal deterioration, you’re probably uninsured.
If the cracks are a result of subsidence caused by an escape of water, like leaky drains, your claim for loss or damage will usually be considered under the ‘escape of water’ clause of your insurance policy at first. This could have the advantage of being subject to a lower policy excess. But there may be a specific exclusion for subsidence damage under this section of the policy – in this case, you’ll have to claim under the subsidence rules, which will usually have a higher excess.
If the subsidence is due to mining, there may be a claim against the Coal Board or mine owner, for example. You’ll need to discuss with your insurance provider whether to claim from them directly or if the provider will do it on your behalf.
If in doubt, take a look at your policy document to find out exactly what’s covered, or contact your insurance provider directly.
If you make a subsidence claim, you’ll also need to spell this out when comparing insurance or applying for insurance in the future.
What are the different types of ground movement?
One of the first things insurance providers will look at when you make a claim is the probable cause of the damage, as this could make a difference as to whether a claim is paid or not.
There are four main causes of ground movement, as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): heave, landslip, settlement, and subsidence.
Definitions of ground movement types:
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- Heave – upward movement of the ground beneath a building as a result of the soil expanding.
- Landslip – downward movement of sloping ground.
- Settlement (also known as consolidation or compaction) – downward movement as a result of the soil being compressed by the weight of a building within 10 years of construction.
- Subsidence – the ground beneath a building sinks, pulling the property’s foundations down with it. It usually occurs when the ground loses moisture and shrinks, which can be caused by prolonged dry spells. It may also be caused by trees and shrubs, which can absorb significant volumes of water from the soil.
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Will claiming for a crack affect my insurance?
Yes, if you’ve claimed for subsidence you could well see an increase in your premium come renewal time. That’s because customers who’ve claimed for subsidence once are more likely to make another claim in the future. Your no-claims discount or bonus, if you have one, may also be affected.
Can I claim for cracks in my outbuildings?
It depends on your insurance policy. Some will include outbuildings and garages as part of the home, while others won’t, so you’ll need to check the policy wording.
Have you noticed cracks in your home’s crawl spaces, basement, walls, or ceilings?
If so, you’re definitely not alone. Between our state’s clay soil, aging houses, and drastic temperature changes, a lot of homeowners notice the effects of a shifting foundation.
But cracks don’t always mean your structural integrity is at risk. Some damage is minor and doesn’t require more than cosmetic repairs, while other cracks are a sign of big problems.
How do you tell the difference? Here’s what we tell Oklahoma homeowners to help you be informed and make a good decision about your house’s upkeep.
What Causes Cracks to Form in a House?
Normal Settling
All soil undergoes small movements from time to time. If this shifting is minor, it’s not a structural concern—but it may cause a few vertical cracks in walls.
Temperature and Weather
When the seasons’ change and temperatures rise or fall, construction materials like wood can temporarily expand or shrink. This minor movement can result in small cracks.
Soil Expansion and Contraction
The clay soil of Oklahoma is prone to expand and contract during periods of high moisture and drought as well as cold snaps. This can cause Tulsa area homes to shift, leading to cracks in walls.
Mistakes during Construction
Faulty building methods or contractors who cut corners can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. These mistakes can result in walls that shift and crack.
Tree Roots
Large trees in your yard can be a problem because the roots will grow and eventually put pressure on your home’s walls and foundations. Many Oklahoma neighborhoods, especially older ones, face this challenge.
Excess Moisture
The biggest reason for foundational damage is water damage, which can be due to leaky roofs, faulty drainage, pipe breaks, flooding, and other issues. So, if you suspect the cracks in your home are related to moisture damage, you should get an inspection right away.
What Types of Cracks Should You Keep an Eye On?
Small, thin cracks that remain the same are less of an issue than large cracks that grow worse. So it’s important to inspect your home regularly for any signs of damage.
A simple way to keep an eye on cracks is to mark the ends with a pencil and jot down the date. Periodically check to see if the cracks grow past the pencil marks—which means you may have a worsening structural issue.
Here are a few other general guidelines to keep in mind as you assess your home’s walls and foundation.
Vertical Cracks
This type of crack is often the result of your home settling. If they are hairline to less than 1/8-inch wide and appear in the middle of the wall, vertical cracks are usually not a concern.
However, if vertical cracks are wider than 1/8-inch, are growing worse, or are located at the corners of the foundation, it’s time for an inspection.
Diagonal and Stair-Step Cracks
Diagonal cracks can appear anywhere in a wall, but they most commonly appear where ceilings meet walls, and where walls meet the top corners of door frames.
These cracks are often caused by minor settling. However, if you see a diagonal crack that is accompanied by the wall tilting in, especially in basement areas, this can mean potential foundation issues.
Stair-step cracks are similar and appear in walls made of cement blocks or bricks. They may result from settling, but if they are wider than ½-inch, it can be a sign of a structural defect.
Horizontal Cracks
These are the most problematic type of crack you may find in your home because they result from water damage. The cause is usually poor drainage, which leads to moisture getting into your walls and weakening them. This problem will only grow worse and put your home at great risk.
If you see horizontal cracks anywhere in your house, call the experts for an immediate assessment.
How Do You Know When a Crack Is Serious?
Telling the difference between signs of minor settling versus major damage is important—because the sooner you address structural problems, the easier it will be to repair them.
A great inspection from a team of structural experts like Edens Structural Solutions can help pinpoint what’s happening and what the most practical next steps are.
If you see these issues, have them inspected immediately!
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- Ceiling damage — Cracks in the ceiling or where the ceiling meets walls can be signs of moisture damage, a leak, or a structural issue that can make your ceiling collapse.
- Popped nails or screws in walls — If these are popping out or suddenly visible through drywall, there’s something creating pressure, which isn’t good for your walls.
- Uneven flooring — Especially on your ground level, uneven floors mean the foundation has shifted and tilted or become sunken.
- Windows and doors won’t open — This can be a sign of structural damage, especially if you’ve eliminated causes like paint or broken springs. Other signs of a serious problem include wide gaps around door frames, and diagonal cracks rising up the wall from the corners of doors and windows.
- Bowing — If walls, ceilings, or floors are twisted, bowed, or leaning—in other words, they’re visibly off-kilter—this is a sign the structure is deeply damaged and in danger of collapsing.
Get Peace of Mind from Pros Who Understand YOUR AREA OF Homes
At Edens Structural Solutions, we know that Oklahoma homeowners have many questions when they see cracks in their walls. And we want you to feel knowledgeable and well-informed about how to care for your foundation.
Our complete guide to foundation repair provides useful information to recognize what causes cracks in Oklahoma homes and what to do when you need repairs. Check it out, and contact us with any questions you have.
Wall cracks caused by foundation movement can appear on both interior and exterior walls. The types of wall cracks include,
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- Vertical wall cracks
- Horizontal wall cracks
- Stairstep cracks in brick
- Bowed wall with cracks
- Cracks in stucco
- Basement wall cracks
- A crack caused by a wall that’s separating from the ceiling or floor
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How To Know When A Wall Crack Is Serious
A wall crack is serious when it’s caused by structural damage. (Remember, you can have movement in a foundation that causes a wall crack, but doesn’t cause the kind of structural damage that requires a repair.) So, here are the cracks you need to look out for:
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- A wall crack(s) that spans both the wall and the ceiling or floor. For example, a wall crack that goes across the ceiling and then down the wall. This is a sure sign of serious structural damage.
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Any horizontal wall crack that runs the length of a wall. If the wall is also bowed, it’s even more serious.
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- Stairstep cracks in masonry. These cracks might be on the interior or exterior walls of the house.
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Your moldings are cracked or out of place. This happens because your wall and the ceiling and floor aren’t moving in sync.
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- You have a wall crack that runs from the corner of either a door or a window up toward the ceiling. Sometimes, you will get hairline cracks in this area that usually aren’t anything to worry about. However, larger cracks in these areas are an indication of structural damage.
- You have a wall crack caused by a gap between either the wall and the ceiling, or the wall and the floor. This is caused by significant movement in the foundation.
While tiny, hairline cracks usually aren’t serious, larger cracks (width or length) are almost always caused by the kind of structural damage that requires foundation repair. However, there are always exceptions. If you see a wall crack that looks suspicious, contact a foundation repair professional for an inspection. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Read more about – DIY foundation repair.
When it comes to your walls, a crack is a crack, right?
Yes and no.
Some cracks are superficial. They might be caused by simple maintenance issues that are easy to fix. In some cases, you can be doing everything right and still get one of these cracks. There’s no reason to worry about them, but you might want to get them fixed for aesthetic reasons.
Then there’s the other kind.
While the great majority of cracks in your wall are no big deal, some deserve to be paid attention to. These cracks are serious because they indicate alarming problems throughout the structure of your house. In the most severe cases, they are evidence of evolving deterioration within your foundation.
Your foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. It exists to spread out the structure’s enormous bulk – which weighs in at several tons – and prevent it from sinking into the ground. Yet, despite its efforts, any home will “settle” on its foundation over the course of its life.
This settling is normal. Sometimes, you can even hear creaking as it happens.
Yes, some cracks are caused by this ordinary and unavoidable process. But a small minority of cracks are symptoms of damage to a home’s foundation that should be fixed right away. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for homeowners to tell the difference.
You shouldn’t hesitate to call a foundation repair company if you are concerned about your foundation. Of course, many people in Houston make the call when they notice cracks in the foundation itself. But you can also learn a lot from what you see on your walls.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of cracks in your wall and what they might mean.
Wall Cracks that Indicate Harmless Settling
1. Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks, those that run “up and down” in your interior walls, are often nothing to worry about. They are commonly caused by house settling and don’t point to anything worse. In addition, because they run in the same direction as drywall, they are less troublesome to repair than horizontally oriented cracks.
2. Door and Window Cracks
Door and window cracks are much more likely to appear in older structures. They don’t signify damage on their own, but it’s important to take a close look. If these cracks appear at the same time the doors and windows become warped and harder to close, it may be time for a foundation inspection.
3. Spiderweb Cracks
Spiderweb cracks are extremely common in drywall and are nothing to be concerned about. This just means that the drywall application is a little bit thick in one area. Because drywall tends to shrink as it dries up, cracks appear when the thickest coverage area recedes.
4. Nail Popping
Nail popping is noticeable in circular bumps or cracks that appear within the wall or ceiling. As the name suggests, it means nails have become unseated. Wood shrinkage causes a normal amount of nail popping in newer homes within the first two years after construction is finished.
However, there is a caveat. If you notice new nail popping taking place in an older home – ten years or more after construction – it may be time to go on alert. Late nail popping combined with other cracks in the walls, floors, or ceiling can be regarded as a red flag. So call the experts as soon as possible.
Wall Cracks that Indicate Foundation Problems
1. Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are any cracks that travel from left to right in an interior wall. They’re often situated so as to pass underneath windows. Whether seen in drywall or concrete, they are strongly associated with foundation woes. Water damage and poor soil below the foundation are two likely culprits.
2. Bowed Ceiling Cracks
When there’s a noticeable dip in one part of the ceiling compared to the rest, we call it a bowed ceiling. This always needs to be remedied, even if cracks haven’t appeared yet. It can be caused by an extremely heavy object on the floor above, construction issues with the ceiling, or foundation degradation.
3. Stair-Step Cracks
Stair-step cracks are regarded as one of the most prominent signs of foundation wear. These cracks will often appear early on when foundation damage is already significant but can be readily resolved with help. They emerge near windows and doors and can also pop up within hallways.
If you have stair-step cracks, it’s critical to talk to a foundation repair company as soon as you can. It is usually only a matter of time before the more onerous signs of foundation weathering crop up. Unfortunately, the more time passes, the more complicated your foundation repair can get!
Why do windows crack?
Another frustrating window challenge homeowners experience is cracked windows. Sometimes it is obvious why a window cracked. Perhaps someone or something hit your window at high impact, but other times you might be left scratching your head as to what could have possibly caused such a crack to appear. In that case, it is likely a stress crack.
Engineers at Pella recognize three general types of glass cracks:
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- Thermal stress crack — cracks at a perpendicular angle. May be caused by sudden temperature swings or shading changes on a building.
- Impact crack — cracks in a starburst pattern that radiates from a central point. Hitting a window with a baseball or golf ball could result in an impact crack.
- Pressure crack — cracks in a pattern similar to the curve of an hourglass. Insulating glass — windows with two panes of glass that have air inside them — may get pressure cracks if they are installed at too high or too low of an elevation level or if there are drastic pressure system changes in the weather.
- Thermal stress crack — cracks at a perpendicular angle. May be caused by sudden temperature swings or shading changes on a building.
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What is a stress crack?
Imagine pouring cold water into a baking dish you just pulled out of the oven. Not the smartest thing to do, we know, but it is a good example of how thermal stress can crack a window. Think about stress cracks like this: As the cold liquid touches the hot dish, there’s an uneven increase in the thermal expansion of the walls of the baking dish. If the expansion is significant enough and the dish is thin or compromised by a nick or weak spot, the baking dish may break.
Now think about your windows and where they are located in your home.
Stress cracks occur more often in large windows that are located on a shaded or recessed wall. The shadows created by these locations set up a quickly changing stress factor between the glass that is in the sunny, warmer area and the glass that is in the cooler, shaded area. If the stress gets to be too much, from the glass expanding in the heat or shrinking in the cold, it can crack.
“Stress cracks are often a function of the architectural design of the building as much as the glass in your window,” says Bruce Baier, director of product engineering at Pella Corporation.
“They tend to show up more in newly installed windows than in older windows. But stress cracks are not necessarily time-related. It may have more to do with the shading of your home.”
Common causes for stress cracks
If the wind blows down a large shade tree in your yard or a new house goes up next door, it could change the amount of shade on your window and create conditions for thermal stress cracks. Seasonal factors, like dramatic overnight temperature changes, are a common cause of stress cracks as well.
“We receive more customer calls about stress cracks in the spring and fall, when areas are experiencing hot temperatures during the day and then much cooler temperatures at night,” says Faye Howard, customer support at Pella. “It’s often a seasonal factor.”
Identifying stress cracks
Thermal stress cracks in windows are easy to identify because they start perpendicular to the glass edge. “It’s easy to identify a stress crack if you can see the edge of your glass,” adds Howard. “The crack will extend about a half-inch straight away from the glass edge.”
But that’s only true of the first half-inch of the crack, after that it may spider in any direction. It’s worth noting that windows with cladding or trim may obscure your view of the glass edge.
Can I prevent stress cracks?
The short answer is: not really. Stress cracks are a naturally occurring result of expanding and contracting glass due to temperature changes. However, installing the thicker glass and choosing glass features based on your climate and sun exposure needs may help decrease your risk.
In existing homes, installing thicker, stronger replacement panes of glass — 4mm glass instead of the standard 3mm glass — can help prevent stress cracks. For home additions or new construction projects, work with your architect to best dictate sun exposure on your windows.
Pella offers several glass options, ranging from tinted insulating glass and tempered insulating glass to impact-resistant insulating glass and laminated insulating glass.
“Heat-strengthened glass and tempered glass are very similar,” Baier says. “Both are heated and quenched (cooled) similar to steel, just at different temperatures or rates. Tempered glass is stronger, and typically costs more.”
Thermal stress cracks in windows are easy to identify because they start perpendicular to the glass edge. “It’s easy to identify a stress crack if you can see the edge of your glass,” adds Howard. “The crack will extend about a half-inch straight away from the glass edge.”
SUMMARY
What are cracks in houses from?
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- Stair-step cracks.
- Cracks on foundation slabs or beams.
- Vertical cracks that are wide at the bottom or top.
- Cracks measuring 1/8″ in width.
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