Owning a home comes with challenges and responsibilities, and among the myriad issues homeowners face, wall cracks may be among the more concerning. However, not all wall cracks are created equal. Horizontal cracks in walls, in particular, merit immediate attention due to their potential implications on the structural integrity of your home. In this article, we will review the causes of horizontal wall cracks, how to fix them, and how to prevent future damage.
The Different Types of Wall Cracks
Before tackling horizontal cracks, it’s essential to understand that cracks come in various forms, each indicating different severity and causes. Understanding the nature of the crack is critical in determining the urgency and type of repair required. The three most common types of wall cracks are:
- Vertical Cracks – These cracks are usually non-structural and can be caused by something as simple as a poorly covered drywall seam. In poured concrete foundations, they’re often caused by shrinkage during the concrete curing process.
- Horizontal Cracks – Horizontal cracks are typically indicators of structural issues and are often accompanied by wall bowing. These cracks suggest that the foundation is under stress and requires prompt attention.
- Diagonal and Stair-Step Cracks – These cracks are also quite serious since they usually indicate structural issues with the foundation, like differential settlement. A professional should immediately address them.
What Does a Horizontal Crack in Your Wall Mean?
Horizontal cracks, more often than not, signify structural damage to your foundation. Their presence could be traced back to several causes, especially excess moisture in the soil surrounding your home. Note the possibilities:
- Expansive Soil – Certain types of soil, especially those with a high clay content, expand excessively when they become wet. This expansion leads to increased pressure being exerted on foundation walls. The phenomenon can cause significant damage over time as the swelling soil pushes against the foundation, potentially leading to cracks, leaks, and even structural failure if not repaired.
- Hydrostatic Pressure – This occurs when water accumulates in the soil surrounding a building’s foundation and exerts immense pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure can become significant enough to push against these walls, forming cracks and bowing. Over time, these cracks can become entry points for water, potentially causing further damage to the foundation and the overall structure of the building.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycle – When water in the soil freezes, it expands. This expansion exerts pressure on the foundation, potentially causing cracks or shifts. Over time, as the cycle repeats each winter season, the stress on the foundation can accumulate, leading to more severe structural issues, including horizontal wall cracks.
- Heavy objects parked next to the foundation – Heavy objects, such as large vehicles or dumpsters parked next to a foundation, can exert immense pressure on the soil, leading to its compaction or displacement. This alteration in soil integrity can create uneven support for the foundation, causing it to shift or settle unevenly. Over time, this undue stress and uneven settling can lead to horizontal cracks in the foundation walls.
- Differential settlement – This occurs when sections of a building’s foundation sink into the ground at uneven rates. This uneven settling can lead to significant structural issues, including horizontal cracks in the foundation’s walls.
How Do You Fix a Horizontal Wall Crack?
Addressing horizontal wall cracks involves several steps. The first is to address the structural issue, such as straightening the bowed wall or leveling the settled foundation. Potential solutions include:
- I-Beams – They are installed against the interior side of the wall, extending from the floor to the overhead joists. They stabilize walls from further bowing or bending by providing vertical solid support. I-beams can be adjustable to apply additional straightening over time if necessary.
- Wall Anchors – These are metal plates placed on a wall’s interior and connected to a steel rod which is connected to an anchor embedded deep into the yard, countering the pressure pushing against the wall. This system can be tightened over time to straighten the wall back to its original position gradually.
- Carbon Wall Straps – Made of high-strength carbon fiber, these straps adhere to the wall to reinforce its structure and prevent further bowing. They are low-profile, causing minimal disruption to the wall’s appearance, and can be painted over. Carbon straps work well for walls with minimal bowing, providing a cost-effective and non-invasive solution.
- Foundation Underpinning – This addresses differential settlement by leveling the sunken foundation and providing additional support. Mechanisms like helical or push piers are commonly used; they are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil layers. These piers act as new foundation points that take on the structure’s weight, effectively transferring the load from the unstable soil that was causing the settlement.
Once the structural problem is corrected, the crack can be repaired. Two popular repair methods include:
- Epoxy or Polyurethane Injections – Both methods involve drilling holes into the crack at intervals and injecting the material under pressure, ensuring the entire crack is filled from the deepest point to the surface. Once cured, these injections provide a durable repair that prevents water infiltration and further deterioration of the concrete structure.
- Wall Stitches – This method involves the insertion of high-tensile strength stainless steel bars across the crack, effectively “stitching” the separated sections together. This method not only restores the wall’s structural integrity but also minimizes the visibility of the repair, maintaining the wall’s aesthetic appeal.
To prevent future wall cracks, install a drainage system, such as an interior or exterior drain tile or French drain, to divert excess water away from the foundation. Additionally, regular maintenance and prompt repairs of any foundation issues can help avoid costly and extensive damage in the future.
How to Prevent Horizontal Cracks in Your Walls
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when dealing with potential structural damage. To prevent water buildup in the soil around the foundation:
- Regrade your landscaping to ensure water flows away from your home.
- Keep gutters clean and debris-free to avoid overflow and saturation around the foundation.
- Install downspout extensions to divert rainwater further away from your home.
- Consider a drainage system if you frequently experience water pooling around your foundation.
- Choose plants wisely to avoid those that require a lot of water along the home’s perimeter, potentially leading to overwatering.
Take Action
Horizontal cracks in walls are a severe concern that homeowners should never ignore. If you’ve noticed such cracks in your home, it’s critical to promptly address the underlying issues and mitigate potential risks to your home’s structural integrity.
Contact us today for a free foundation inspection and repair quote. Our team of experts is equipped to assess and repair the damage, ensuring the safety and longevity of your home.
