Outside of Your House – Cracks in Brick
What Causes Cracks in Brick?
Where Should I Start?
In order to determine if you have a foundation problem, you will need to be on the lookout for a few key indicators within your house. Looking for horizontal cracks in the actual foundation is the obvious first step. A horizontal crack is a sign of hydrostatic pressure, or too much water pressure building up behind the foundation. This is one of the most obvious ways to look for foundation issues, but it isn’t the only sign.
Outside of Your House – Cracks in Brick
You might assume that any foundation issues would be most obvious near the ground – but often times the opposite is actually true. Cracks in brick can appear along your chimney and along the side of your house. These cracks are often referred to as stair step cracks because they zigzag through the concrete that holds the bricks together.
What Causes Cracks in Brick?
The most common causes of cracks in brick is water. It can accumulate in the soil around the foundation, which expands the soil and puts pressure on walls and foundation footings, causing cracks to appear. Be sure to check all gutters and downspout drains are in good condition and that the soil around your foundation is properly graded. As a rule of thumb, the soil should slope at least 6 inches for every 10 horizontal feet.
Most foundations are required to have a perimeter drain system. These systems channel sub-surface water away from the foundation so that water does build up below the foundation. It is possible for this drain to become blocked and cause water to accumulate in the soil. This would put pressure on your foundation and result in damages. If you suspect a blocked drain, you should contact a professional to assess and repair the problem.
If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional before the foundation of your home is even further compromised.