Many brick homes have cracks in the bricks—either in the bricks themselves, or in the mortar joints. A lot of the time these cracks are not a concern. However, sometimes they are an indication of problems with the foundation of your home. This can especially be the case if you’re noticing stair-step cracks in your exterior brick wall.
Are You Noticing Stair-Step Cracks in Your Exterior Brick Wall?
Stair-step shaped cracks in the brick are a possible indication of problems with the foundation. These cracks are typically noticed in the mortar joints of brick walls. The same stair-step cracking pattern can often be found on the interior side of the wall—in the basement or the crawlspace. We also often see a corresponding crack around the corner on the other wall.
Stair-step cracks in brick walls frequently continue down to the bottom of the brick wall and into the block foundation that the brick sits on, and through the block foundation all the way to the footing.
Why Are These Stair-Step Cracks Appearing?
These cracks are an indication that a section of the wall has settled faster/slower than the other sections. Uneven settlement can occur because of poor soil conditions and soil erosion. Typically, this occurs over time as rainwater seeps into the soil around your foundation.
This uneven settlement can generally be fixed, but it is important to get it resolved before additional settling can occur. Other symptoms may be present or may develop if the settling isn’t addressed. Some of these additional symptoms include sloping or dropped floors, bowing walls, or misaligned doorways.
Fortunately, there are solutions to this kind of foundation problem. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers a variety of quality solutions including our own ’58 Strong Helical Piers to bring stability back to your sinking foundation. This can prevent further sinking and allow for the repair of foundation cracks, bowing walls, and other related problems. ’58 also offers its own customizable waterproofing system to help relocate water that reaches your foundation, which can help prevent further soil erosion by water.
Say Goodbye to Those Stair-Step Cracks with ’58!
If you are noticing stair-step cracks in your exterior brick wall, don’t give it the time to get worse. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been repairing foundations like yours since 1958. With over 64 years of experience and expertise behind our quality products and honest methods, you can rest assured that we can repair your brick foundation. We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you’re near Chattanooga, TN, Spartanburg, SC, or Washington, DC, you can always rely on ’58 to be there when you need us!
Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate! Be sure to also ask about our industry-leading life-of-the-structure warranty and money-back guarantee!