Crack Causes

Understand what causes foundation cracks. Learn about soil movement, water damage, settlement, and structural issues.

The Crack That Got Worse After the Storm

A minor basement crack tripled in width after a two-day rainstorm. Dave Morrison shares what happened, what he learned a...

Apr 10, 2026

Vehicle Traffic and Foundation Cracks: What Heavy Road Vibration Actually Does

Heavy vehicle traffic and road vibration can contribute to foundation cracks over time. Here's what I learned helping a...

Mar 31, 2026

Nearby Construction and Foundation Crack Damage

Pile driving, blasting, and heavy equipment from nearby construction can damage your foundation. Learn how vibration cau...

Mar 28, 2026

How Window Well Drainage Problems Lead to Foundation Cracks

Poorly draining window wells are a common and underappreciated cause of foundation cracking. Learn how to identify drain...

Mar 27, 2026

How Improper Concrete Curing Causes Foundation Cracks

Improper concrete curing is one of the leading causes of early foundation cracking. Learn how curing works, what goes wr...

Mar 10, 2026

The Crack That Showed Up After the New Patio Was Poured

My neighbor Dennis got a new patio poured and cracks appeared in his foundation within months. Here's how added weight n...

Feb 9, 2026

Garage Foundation Cracks: Why They Happen and What to Do

My garage slab cracked after a wet spring. My neighbor Kent explained why garages are more vulnerable to foundation dama...

Feb 4, 2026

Poor Drainage and Foundation Damage

Learn how poor yard drainage damages foundations through soil erosion, hydrostatic pressure, and settlement. Guide to id...

Jan 18, 2026

Basement Water Problem FAQs

Water in your basement? Common questions about leaking foundation cracks, waterproofing options, and when water damage b...

Dec 30, 2024

Climate and Temperature Effects on Foundations

Moved from Minnesota to Texas and learned a whole different set of foundation problems. Here's what climate does to foun...

Dec 30, 2024

Earthquake Foundation Cracks

My cousin's house survived Northridge but needed $18,000 in repairs. Here's what earthquakes do to foundations and why r...

Dec 30, 2024

Expansive Clay Soil Foundation Damage

My college roommate in Austin waters his foundation during drought. Sounds crazy until you understand what expansive cla...

Dec 30, 2024

Frost Heave Foundation Damage

My 1978 house has been battling frost heave for 45 winters. Here's what frozen ground does to foundations and how to tel...

Dec 30, 2024

Hydrostatic Pressure and Foundation Cracks

I watched Cliff's basement wall bow an inch and a half over two weeks. Here's what hydrostatic pressure does to foundati...

Dec 30, 2024

Plumbing Leak Foundation Damage

My friend's water bill went up $47 a month. Two years later, his foundation had settled 2 inches. Here's how plumbing le...

Dec 30, 2024

Poor Construction and Foundation Cracks

My friend bought a new construction home. Three years later, cracks everywhere. Here's what went wrong during building a...

Dec 30, 2024

Normal Settling vs Structural Movement

All houses settle. Not all settling is a problem. How to tell normal settling from dangerous structural movement. The di...

Dec 30, 2024

Soil Settlement and Foundation Cracks

My uncle ignored settlement cracks for 15 years. Here's what I learned about how soil movement causes foundation cracks...

Dec 30, 2024

Tree Root Foundation Damage

My neighbor loved his willow tree. His foundation didn't. Here's what I learned about how trees destroy foundations and...

Dec 30, 2024

Water Damage and Foundation Cracks

I spent $89 on downspout extensions after $2,400 in foundation repairs. Here's what I learned about how water destroys f...

Dec 30, 2024