Foundation cracks are one of the most common concerns homeowners have when it comes to their home’s structural integrity. Many wonder whether cracks in walls or floors are a normal part of settling or a serious sign of foundation failure. In Plano, TX, where expansive clay soil shifts throughout the year, foundation movement is common—but how do you know when a crack signals a problem that needs immediate attention?
At Dalrock Foundation Repair, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners identify and fix foundation issues before they cause major structural damage. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of foundation cracks, what causes them, and when you should seek professional repair.
1. Understanding the Different Types of Foundation Cracks
Not all cracks are the same. Some are harmless, while others indicate serious structural problems that require immediate attention.
Hairline Cracks (Less Than 1/8 Inch Wide)
These cracks often appear in newly built homes as the foundation settles during the first few years. They typically don’t require immediate repair, but they should be monitored over time to ensure they don’t widen.
🚨 Warning Sign: If hairline cracks widen or reappear after patching, they could be a symptom of foundation shifting.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are common and usually less concerning than horizontal or stair-step cracks. These are often caused by normal foundation settlement and may not require immediate action.
🚨 When to Worry: If the crack widens significantly or water begins seeping through, it may indicate differential settling and should be inspected by a professional.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks that run at an angle through walls or foundations often signal uneven foundation movement. These cracks can develop when one side of the foundation settles faster than the other, which is common in Plano due to shifting soil.
🚨 Red Flag: If diagonal cracks appear along with doors or windows sticking, it could mean the foundation is moving.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are one of the most serious warning signs of foundation trouble. They usually result from excessive pressure on foundation walls, often due to expanding soil or poor drainage.
🚨 Immediate Action Needed: Horizontal cracks can lead to wall bowing and structural failure if not addressed promptly.
Stair-Step Cracks in Brick or Masonry
These cracks resemble a staircase pattern along brick or block walls and indicate differential foundation settling. This type of crack is common in homes built on expansive clay soil, like in Plano.
🚨 Seek Professional Help: If stair-step cracks grow over time, they may lead to significant foundation damage.
2. What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Plano’s soil and weather conditions make foundation movement a common issue. Here are the top reasons cracks develop:
1. Expansive Clay Soil
Plano’s soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. This constant cycle of swelling and shrinking puts stress on the foundation, leading to cracks.
2. Poor Drainage Around the Home
If water pools around your foundation, hydrostatic pressure builds up, pushing against the foundation walls and creating cracks.
3. Drought and Soil Shrinkage
During hot Texas summers, the soil around the foundation dries out and shrinks, leaving gaps. These gaps allow the foundation to shift, leading to cracking.
4. Tree Roots Stealing Moisture
Large trees near a home’s foundation absorb moisture from the soil, causing it to dry out unevenly. This leads to one side of the foundation settling faster than the other, resulting in cracks.
5. Plumbing Leaks Under the Slab
Undetected leaks wash away soil beneath the foundation, leading to voids that cause the slab to crack and sink.
3. When Should You Worry About Foundation Cracks?
Homeowners should monitor cracks regularly and look for these warning signs of serious foundation problems:
✅ Cracks that continue to grow or reappear after repairs
✅ Doors and windows sticking or misaligning
✅ Floors becoming uneven or sloping
✅ Gaps forming between walls, ceilings, or baseboards
✅ Water intrusion through foundation cracks
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a free foundation inspection with Dalrock Foundation Repair to assess the damage and recommend the best repair solution.
4. How Foundation Cracks Are Repaired
The right repair method depends on the severity and cause of the crack.
🔹 Epoxy Injection or Polyurethane Foam – Seals hairline or minor cracks to prevent moisture intrusion.
🔹 Concrete or Steel Piers – Stabilizes foundations experiencing settling.
🔹 Helical Piers – Supports homes with foundation movement in specific areas.
🔹 Drainage Solutions – Fixes water-related foundation cracking.
5. Protect Your Home with Professional Foundation Repair
Ignoring foundation cracks allows problems to worsen, leading to costly structural repairs down the road. At Dalrock Foundation Repair, we offer:
✅ Free Foundation Inspections – We assess your home’s foundation at no cost.
✅ Customized Repair Solutions – We tailor our repair plans to your specific foundation issues.
✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – We stand by our work with long-term warranties.
📞 Call us today to schedule a free foundation evaluation!