Determining What Wall Cracks Are Serious

If you’ve noticed cracks in the walls of your home, you might feel tempted to brush them off. But you shouldn’t. While it’s true that some wall cracks are harmless enough, others could indicate a serious structural issue in your home or waterproofing failure. But how do you know what wall cracks are serious? While there’s no substitute for the examination of a professional, here are some tips to help you determine when wall cracks are something to worry about.

Walls Made of Concrete

A majority of the more serious wall cracks tend to form in the basement. Cracks in these areas could indicate issues with the foundation of your home itself or inadequate waterproofing. When determining what wall cracks are serious, it’s helpful to take a look at the orientation of the crack as well as the material of the wall.

Because basement walls are frequently made of concrete, let’s start there. Generally speaking, vertical or diagonal cracks in concrete walls are not so big a cause for concern. Unless they are unusually large or widening at the top or bottom of the crack, these typically result from harmless movement of your home’s foundation.

If you notice horizontal cracks on your concrete walls, get an expert in as soon as you can.

Drywall or Plaster Walls

Now, let’s take a look at two other wall materials: drywall or plaster. In the case of these materials, neither horizontal nor vertical cracks are innately a cause for concern. But diagonal cracks might be—especially if they have a jagged, zig-zagged appearance.

Still, there are a few exceptions. If you notice incredibly long horizontal cracks near the top of your home, you might have issues with your roof truss that require immediate, professional attention.

Use Common Sense

While we’ve laid out a few rules of thumb for determining what wall cracks are serious, keep in mind that they are just that—rules of thumb. Use your common sense. If a wall crack appears to be especially serious to you, you should err on the side of caution and contact a professional for a closer look.

Wide wall cracks—larger than about a quarter-inch—are generally something that should be looked at, regardless of their orientation or the material of the wall. Finally, if you notice moisture or other signs of water damage near the crack, contacting a waterproofing expert is a must.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing to Repair Wall Cracks Today!

If you are ready to get a professional to waterproof your home’s basement, contact All Aspects Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.