Horizontal vs. Vertical Foundation Cracks
How crack direction, width and pattern help indicate whether a foundation crack is cosmetic or a sign of movement.
Vertical cracks
Vertical or near-vertical cracks in poured walls often result from concrete shrinkage. They may leak but are frequently not structural. Wider cracks or ones with offset should still be checked.
Horizontal cracks
Horizontal cracks partway up a basement wall usually indicate lateral soil pressure and are associated with bowing walls. These deserve a prompt assessment.
Stair-step cracks
In block or brick, cracks that follow mortar joints in a stair pattern can indicate settlement or lateral pressure depending on location.
FAQ
How wide is too wide?
There's no universal threshold that replaces an assessment, but widening over time is a meaningful sign.
About this page
- Written by:
- Topeka Foundation Repair editorial team
- Technical reviewer:
- Pending technical review
- Published:
- Last reviewed:
- Status:
- Awaiting technical review
Sources
- ACI 224.1R: Causes, Evaluation, and Repair of Cracks in Concrete Structures — American Concrete Institute