Step Cracks In Brick Walls

1. Diagonal Cracking and Cracking in the Field of the Brick Wall: Uneven settlement of the building foundations can cause diagonal cracking (sometimes referred to as step cracks due to the crack following the path of mortar joints horizontally and vertically) at fenestration (windows and doors), and in the field of the brick wall.
2. Clogged gutters and water damage also create cracks in brick walls. What To Do Measure stair-shaped cracks as soon as you notice them, and continue to monitor them, measuring frequently.
3. Diagnose & Evaluate Step Cracks in Concrete Block Walls / Foundations Angular cracks / step cracking in concrete block, brick or other CMU walls, Diagonal foundation or wall cracks in concrete block or other CMU walls & foundations, diagnosis & repair: This chapter of the Foundation Crack Bible discusses in detail the process of evaluating stair-stepped or diagonal cracking and related signs.
4. . How can I tell if a diagonal crack in drywall at the corner of a window or door indicates a structural problem?. What causes a horizontal crack in a block or brick wall?. Why is a horizontal board running along the bottom of the plywood siding of the house?. Why would a house with Hardieplank siding have exterior wood rot problems?

This crack pattern usually indicates settlement of the corner of a structure (blue arrows). The corner of the house is “laying down,” like the severe example shown below. But it can also indicate heaving of the area to the left of the crack (green arrows), and sometimes requires close examination to determine which side is moving.

Jun 26, 2018  What causes stair-step cracks in a block or brick wall? Tuesday, June 26, 2018 A stair-step crack is a diagonal crack but, since mortar is usually not as strong as concrete block or brick, the crack migrates to the mortar joints as it zigzags along a path of least resistance. Very Serious Step Cracking Damage in Block Foundations or Walls. Vertical movement in a concrete block or brick wall might appear as either vertical cracks but more often as step cracks in which the crack pattern follows the mortar joints between the masonry units in a stair stepping pattern.

A pyramid shaped crack of joined diagonals, as in the diagram below, is usually indicative of subsidence (dropping) of the area under the pyramid. Because window openings are weak spots when a wall is having settlement or heaving problems, diagonal cracks emanating from the corner of a window are common.

To learn more about identifying structural defects, see our blog post “How do I recognize serious structural problems in a house?”

While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Also, construction standards vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here.
© McGarry and Madsen Inspection

Related Articles

• 1 Fix a Cracked Brick Retaining Wall
• 2 Determine if the Cracks in Walls Are Serious
• 3 Know When Ceiling Cracks Are Structural or Just Old
• 4 Types of Foundation Repair

Although cracks in decorative brick facings and some brick structures can be cosmetic, other cracks can be severe enough to cause all or part of the building to collapse. The collapse of freestanding brick garden or yard walls is less dramatic than that of an entire building but still may cause injury to nearby people and property.

Crack Causes

Rigid, right-angled cracks in bricks that resemble a staircase indicate a problem with the foundation underneath the wall. Horizontal cracks also are a problem, since they mean the wall is starting to fail. Unfortunately, there are several problems that can cause this type of cracking. Horizontal cracks occur when something such as dirt or wind is pushing against the wall, but it also can be caused by poor soil below the foundation. Clogged gutters and water damage also create cracks in brick walls.

Step Cracks In Brick Walls Pictures

What To Do

Measure stair-shaped cracks as soon as you notice them, and continue to monitor them, measuring frequently. Consult a building inspector or contractor as soon as any of the cracks are more than 1/4-inch wide or accompanied by an obvious bulge in the wall. Get a professional opinion about horizontal cracks as soon as you see them. Do not attempt to address these issues yourself unless you are qualified to do so, as cracks in brick walls are a sign of potentially serious and dangerous problems.

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About the Author

Writing professionally since 2008, Michelle Miley specializes in home and garden topics but frequently pens career, style and marketing pieces. Her essays have been used on college entrance exams and she has more than 4,000 publishing credits. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting, having graduated summa cum laude.

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How To Repair Cracks In Brick Walls

Miley, Michelle. 'Dangers of Cracks in Brick Walls.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/dangers-cracks-brick-walls-82479.html. Accessed 29 September 2019.

Miley, Michelle. (n.d.). Dangers of Cracks in Brick Walls. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/dangers-cracks-brick-walls-82479.html

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Miley, Michelle. 'Dangers of Cracks in Brick Walls' accessed September 29, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/dangers-cracks-brick-walls-82479.html

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