What Causes Horizontal Cracks In Walls

Causes of these cracks in masonry walls can be movement of building causing settlement and subsidence.

What causes horizontal cracks in walls.

Contents common causes of cracks. We describe the common causes of cracks that appear high in the middle or lower in the foundation wall. These foundation damage assessment notes presume that you are examining a wall which is entirely or nearly all below grade level. A stair step crack looks like a flight of stairs and runs in both vertical and horizontal directions across the wall.

Several types of cracks occur in masonry walls in a building which can be minor and insignificant some requiring expensive repairs and in some extreme cases the only solution is total demolition of the wall. These cracks are serious and require professional attention. At the same time the horizontal movement in slab due to shrinkage also affects the horizontal cracks in walls of the topmost story below slab level. Finding cracks indoors versus finding cracks outdoors.

Some cracks are just annoyances while others are symptoms of a larger problem and with a little bit of know how you can tell the difference. Heaving or sinking of a thickened edge concrete slab foundation also causes a horizontal crack line but usually higher on the wall like in the photo below in which the diagonal cracks show that the corner is sinking and the horizontal crack indicates the beginning of rotation. New lumber sometimes called green lumber contains a high level. The continuous pattern usually follows the grout or cement lines between.

Long horizontal cracks that extend along the joints where interior partition walls and upstairs ceilings connect generally signify roof truss issues which cause ceilings to detach from walls. Small cracks located above interior windows or doors are usually harmless. The causes of wall cracks tracking down the cause or causes of wall cracks is the first step in making any assessment as to the seriousness and cost of repairing wall cracks. Other horizontal cracks in walls may be caused by the pressure of a failing wall or indicative of load bearing problems and are a safety concern.

That said interior wall cracks often have different causes than exterior wall cracks. A second cause of horizontal cracks may be porches or sets of steps anchored to the foundation walls. When porches or steps have been installed these typically have a very shallow foundation and may settle due to the un compacted fill soil along a foundation causing the top of the wall to pull outward or push inward. Causes effects of horizontal cracks in foundation walls.