Stair Step Cracks in Your Basement: Understanding, Causes, and Solutions Fenton, MI

Stairstep cracks in your basement walls can be a concerning sight for any homeowner. These distinctive cracks form a pattern resembling a set of stairs, and they are indicative of potential structural issues that need prompt attention. In this article, we’ll explore what stair-step cracks are, the common causes behind their formation, and the necessary steps to address and prevent further damage.

What are Stair Step Cracks?

Stair step cracks are a specific type of crack pattern commonly found in concrete and masonry basement walls. They appear as diagonal cracks that follow the mortar joints, forming a series of steps or a “staircase” pattern. These cracks may be small at first but can widen over time if left unattended.

Causes of Stair Step Cracks

Stairstep cracks in basement walls are typically caused by the following factors:

Settlement: Settlement occurs when the soil beneath the foundation compresses, causing the foundation to shift slightly. Uneven settlement can create stress on the basement walls, leading to stair-step cracks.

Hydrostatic Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure, as discussed in a previous article, is the pressure exerted by water in the soil surrounding the foundation. As water accumulates and the soil becomes saturated, it can push against the basement walls, causing them to crack.

Expansive Soil: If your home’s foundation sits on expansive soil, it can expand and contract significantly with changes in moisture levels. The shifting of the soil can exert pressure on the basement walls, resulting in stair-step cracks.

Poor Construction: In some cases, stair step cracks may be the result of subpar construction practices, such as inadequate reinforcement or improper curing of the concrete.

Assessing the Severity of Stair Step Cracks

Not all stair-step cracks are an immediate cause for alarm. It’s essential to assess their severity to determine if they require professional attention. Consider the following factors when evaluating stair step cracks:

Width of the Cracks: Hairline cracks are usually less concerning than wider cracks. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch may be indicative of more significant issues.

Vertical Displacement: If you notice vertical displacement or separation between the stair step cracks, it could indicate significant foundation movement and potential structural problems.

Location: The location of the stair step cracks can also provide valuable insights. Cracks near corners or openings in the walls may suggest more serious foundation issues.

Addressing Stair Step Cracks

Timely and appropriate action is crucial when dealing with stair-step cracks in your basement walls. Depending on the severity and cause of the cracks, the following solutions may be necessary:

Foundation Repair: In cases of significant settlement or structural issues, foundation repair may be required. This can involve underpinning techniques, such as helical piers or push piers, to stabilize and lift the foundation.

Waterproofing: If hydrostatic pressure or water-related issues are contributing to the stair-step cracks, waterproofing measures, such as exterior drainage systems or interior sealants, may be necessary to prevent further damage.

Grading and Drainage: Proper grading around your home can help direct water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of hydrostatic pressure. Ensuring that your property has adequate drainage systems can also help manage water effectively.

Crack Repair: For smaller, non-structural cracks, professional crack repair methods, such as epoxy injections, can be used to fill and seal the cracks, preventing them from widening further.

Consulting a Professional

Dealing with stair-step cracks in your basement walls is not a DIY project. It’s crucial to consult a professional foundation contractor with expertise in assessing and addressing foundation issues. A professional can accurately diagnose the cause of the cracks and recommend the most appropriate solutions for your specific situation.

Stair step cracks in your basement walls are a visible warning sign of potential foundation issues. Understanding the causes behind these cracks and their severity is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action. If you notice stair-step cracks in your basement, consult with a qualified foundation repair expert to assess the situation and implement the necessary measures to protect the structural integrity of your home. Prompt action can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of your property for years to come.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Basement Cracks & Leaks

Is a fully licensed and insured professional Waterproofing & Foundation Repair company serving communities throughout Michigan since 1993. Family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and professional attention to detail. Our company is fully licensed by the state of Michigan and insured for your peace of mind. We have been accredited since 2001 with the Better Business Bureau and are members of the Basement Health Association receiving the National Star Service Award 15 years running.

Whether you need an interior drain tile system installation, wall straightening with anchors or stabilization, encapsulation, or epoxy injection we do it all at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. We specialize in both interior and exterior waterproofing systems & foundation repair.

Our team will come to your home & evaluate your specific problem with over 30 years of industry experience behind them. Using that knowledge & expertise they will design and draft a custom repair plan to meet your home or businesses specific needs. Before we begin your project, we will review your plan with you and make sure you completely understand the repair process. From start to finish we will work with you every step of the way.

The Top 3 Foundation Repair Methods Fenton, MI

A home is a big investment, and the foundation is a crucial part of that investment. If your foundation is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems for your home—and your wallet. That’s why it’s important to know the different types of foundation repair methods so you can make the best decision for your home.

1. Pier and Beam Foundation Repair

One of the most common types of foundation damage is settlement. This happens when the soil underneath your foundation shifts or settles, causing the foundation to sink. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor drainage, expansive clay soils, or even tree roots. If you notice cracks in your walls or doors that won’t close properly, these could be signs of settlement damage.

If you have a pier and beam foundation, the good news is that this type of damage is usually fairly easy and less expensive to repair. In most cases, piers can be installed to stabilize the beams and joists and level out your foundation.

2. Slab Foundation Repair

If you have a slab foundation—which is a type of concrete foundation where the floors are poured directly on top of the slab—settlement isn’t the only type of damage you need to worry about. Cracks in the slab itself can also occur, which can lead to even more serious problems like water leakage.

Slab foundations are typically repaired by mudjacking or polyjacking. Mudjacking is a process where concrete is injected underneath the slab to raise it back into place. Polyjacking uses polyurethane foam instead of concrete, which is less messy and causes less disruption than mudjacking.

3. Retaining Wall Foundation Repair

If your home has a retaining wall as part of its foundation, then that’s another potential area where damage can occur. The most common type of retaining wall damage is called “toeing out,” which happens when the wall starts to lean outward at the bottom due to soil erosion or poor drainage. This can cause cracks in the wall and eventually lead to collapse if it’s not repaired quickly enough.

To fix a toeing out retaining wall, crews will excavate around the base of the wall to expose the roots. Then they will install new drainage systems and backfill with new soil to stabilize the area around the wall. In some cases, steel rods may also be used to reinforce the wall from within.

These are just three of the most common types of foundation damage and repair methods. If you think you may have damage to your foundation, it’s important to call in a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your home. Ignoring foundation damage will only make it worse—and more expensive to repair—so don’t wait!

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Basement Cracks & Leaks

Is a fully licensed and insured professional Waterproofing & Foundation Repair company serving communities throughout Michigan since 1993. Family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and professional attention to detail. Our company is fully licensed by the state of Michigan and insured for your peace of mind. We have been accredited since 2001 with the Better Business Bureau and are members of the Basement Health Association receiving the National Star Service Award 15 years running.

Whether you need an interior drain tile system installation, wall straightening with anchors or stabilization, encapsulation, or epoxy injection we do it all at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. We specialize in both interior and exterior waterproofing systems & foundation repair.

Our team will come to your home & evaluate your specific problem with over 30 years of industry experience behind them. Using that knowledge & expertise they will design and draft a custom repair plan to meet your home or businesses specific needs. Before we begin your project, we will review your plan with you and make sure you completely understand the repair process. From start to finish we will work with you every step of the way.

4 Types of Foundation Cracks and The Damage They Cause Fenton, MI

There is little doubt that you are unnerved when you see cracks in your foundation. It is common for many people to associate the appearance of cracks on a building with a poor design or construction of the building. However, this is not always true. Foundation cracks and other types of cracks occur due to various reasons. Different types of cracks also mean different things, and not all types of cracks should be a cause for concern.

Here are some points that you need to know about different types of foundation cracks and what they mean when you see them in your house.

1. Vertical Cracks

Most vertical cracks run up and down the foundation, though some of them slant up about 30 degrees. It is common to see vertical cracks on the foundation during the foundation’s curing process. The reason why vertical cracks are common, especially in new buildings, is that they are caused by the concrete shrinking process.

Most vertical foundation cracks are small and, therefore, harmless since they are usually just at the surface of the foundation. But you should be concerned if you see vertical cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch or 3 mm. You need to call a foundation repair expert if you see such cracks.

2. Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by uneven settling of the foundation. They usually have a slanting orientation, with an angle of between 30 and 75 degrees. At the start, diagonal cracks are usually narrow and are commonly known as hairline cracks. But if left unrepaired, these cracks can expand and provide an easy route for water to penetrate the foundation. As water seeps through these cracks, they become even wider.

Therefore, if you see diagonal cracks, especially those that are becoming wider, you should consult a professional foundation repair company to avert any further damage to your building.

3. Stair Step Cracks

Stair step cracks are a combination of diagonal and vertical cracks. They are referred to as stair-step because they take the form of a staircase. These cracks appear diagonally and are clearly visible along mortar joints. Like diagonal cracks, stair step cracks are also caused by the non-uniform settling of the foundation.

You should consult a professional foundation repair company when you see stair step cracks. The technicians will determine whether the cracks simply need to be filled or there is a structural issue that needs to be addressed.

4. Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks occur due to lateral pressure exerted on the foundation. This can be a result of hydrostatic pressure, frost heave, large roots, or other occurrences. These cracks indicate a severe structural problem and may be associated with other issues, such as foundation wall bowing. You should contact a foundation repair contractor immediately if you see horizontal foundation cracks.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Basement Cracks & Leaks

Is a fully licensed and insured professional Waterproofing & Foundation Repair company serving communities throughout Michigan since 1993. Family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and professional attention to detail. Our company is fully licensed by the state of Michigan and insured for your peace of mind. We have been accredited since 2001 with the Better Business Bureau and are members of the Basement Health Association receiving the National Star Service Award 15 years running.

Whether you need an interior drain tile system installation, wall straightening with anchors or stabilization, encapsulation, or epoxy injection we do it all at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. We specialize in both interior and exterior waterproofing systems & foundation repair.

Our team will come to your home & evaluate your specific problem with over 30 years of industry experience behind them. Using that knowledge & expertise they will design and draft a custom repair plan to meet your home or businesses specific needs. Before we begin your project, we will review your plan with you and make sure you completely understand the repair process. From start to finish we will work with you every step of the way.

What Happens When You Ignore Foundation Wall Cracks Fenton, MI

Have you noticed cracks in your foundation walls? Many homeowners would rather ignore foundation wall cracks especially if they are small and show no signs of water seepage. Some even simply paint over them or fill them in to improve the aesthetic appearance of the wall. However, this isn’t actually dealing with the wall cracks.

While your home is not likely to collapse in the next few weeks, it is still not a good idea to ignore foundation wall cracks. Here’s what is likely to happen if you do.

1. The cracks will grow

Foundation wall cracks are often a sign of another problem with the foundation. In many instances, cracks are formed as a result of the movement of the soil around the foundation. Cracks may form when the soil expands or shrinks. This is likely to continue if it is not dealt with. The cracks in your foundation will therefore grow larger and spread further. You may even notice more cracks forming on other parts of your foundation.

2. Water seepage

Cracks in your foundation are an entry point for moisture and water in the soil around your foundation. If the cracks in your foundation aren’t showing signs of water seepage right now, they will most likely begin to let water into your basement in the future if they are not repaired. Water seepage can in turn lead to various problems. It will create a damp environment in the basement where mold and mildew will thrive. Water seepage can also lead to flooding.

3. Pest infestation

Cracks in the foundation are not only an entry point for water but also for pests. Rodents and crawling insects such as cockroaches will use the cracks to gain entry into your home. They will also hide in the cracks and crevices to breed and multiply. You will soon find that you’re dealing with a pest infestation that is not only a nuisance but also a risk to the health of the members of your household.

4. Gas intrusion

Another risk of not attending to foundation wall cracks is a gas intrusion. There are various toxic gases that occur naturally in the soil around your foundation. Some of these gases such as methane are explosive when in an enclosed space. Others such as Radon can cause serious health concerns. These gases will seep into your basement through the cracks and can be a cause of concern.

Protect the health of your household and the structure of your home by investing in repair for your wall cracks.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks and Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Basement Cracks & Leaks

Is a fully licensed and insured professional Waterproofing & Foundation Repair company serving communities throughout Michigan since 1993. Family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and professional attention to detail. Our company is fully licensed by the state of Michigan and insured for your peace of mind. We have been accredited since 2001 with the Better Business Bureau and are members of the Basement Health Association receiving the National Star Service Award 15 years running.

Whether you need an interior drain tile system installation, wall straightening with anchors or stabilization, encapsulation, or epoxy injection we do it all at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. We specialize in both interior and exterior waterproofing systems & foundation repair.

Our team will come to your home & evaluate your specific problem with over 30 years of industry experience behind them. Using that knowledge & expertise they will design and draft a custom repair plan to meet your home or businesses specific needs. Before we begin your project, we will review your plan with you and make sure you completely understand the repair process. From start to finish we will work with you every step of the way.