Settlement Cracks In Concrete Walls

Settlement cracks compared with shrinkage cracks in poured concrete slabs this article series describes how to recognize and diagnose various types of foundation failure or damage such as foundation cracks masonry foundation crack patterns and moving leaning bulging or bowing building foundation walls.

Settlement cracks in concrete walls.

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. Horizontal cracks in concrete walls however indicate poor wall designs or pressure buildup behind the wall. How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious. Vertical cracks in walls built with concrete blocks or sand lime bricks.

Cracks generally occur at weak sections i e at midpoints or at regular intervals in long stretches. Cracks in external and internal walls of load bearing structures. Settlement cracks in outer cavity wall of property. Stair step cracks may also signify heaving.

If a vertical crack widens at the top or bottom the wall is either settling or gradually heaving which may present serious issues. A settlement crack may also appear as a random crack above areas where the soil of the subgrade was uneven after the concrete was poured. Concrete walls containing horizontal cracks are serious issues. The cracks may be straight or toothed.