Why Does My House Have Cracked Bricks?

Damaged bricks are a bigger concern than just bringing down your curb appeal. The issue often goes beyond the cosmetic and indicates a serious problem with your house’s foundation. We know foundation damage is a serious concern for Ohio homeowners—that’s why The Basement Guys focuses on providing efficient, effective, and economical solutions for foundation repair.

We fix the underlying problems with the foundation of your home, providing a secure, steady canvas for your brick replacement and repair.

What are Cracked Bricks?

A telltale sign of a shifting foundation is a “stairstep” pattern of cracks along the mortar lines of exterior brick (or stone, if your home has field stone accents or siding). These cracks may start as hairline-sized but, left unaddressed, will grow larger. More significant gaps will form, and the home’s structure will be vulnerable to weather or pest damage.

What Causes Brick Cracks?

As a home’s foundation shifts, the rest of the structure is under increasing strain. This strain and stress cause the bricks to crack, especially along the more vulnerable mortar lines.

There are three primary causes of cracks in structural brick walls:

Settling Foundation: When the ground underneath the foundation sinks, shifts, or settles, the movement strains the foundation above. It’s more common in certain types of soil, like expansive clay.
Soil Issues: As moisture levels in the soil change, the soil shifts, expanding and contracting. This uneven movement places strain on brick walls, retaining walls, and foundations.
Tree Roots: Tree roots grow underneath your home’s foundation, expanding the soil and dislodging the bricks, mortar, and, depending on the size of the root, the entire structure.

Addressing the root cause of foundation concerns prevents further damage and preserves the stability and safety of your house.

Can You Fix Cracked Bricks?

Yes, but if you don’t address the underlying issue of a compromised foundation, simply re-mortaring along the cracks isn’t going to be more than just a superficial fix (and you’ll need to do it over and over again). Over time, the cracks will spread, causing serious structural issues.

Trust The Basement Guys to find the cause of a shifting foundation and fix it. Once the house’s foundation is fixed, you can make repairs and touch-ups to your brick-and-mortar finish without worrying that it will crack again.

Although you may be able to DIY the cracked or crumbling mortar, fixing the reason the mortar is crumbling should be left to the pros – The Basement Guys. We have decades of combined experience fixing damaged foundations in Ohio and the right tools and materials to do the job right the first time.

How to Fix Cracked Bricks

One of the most common solutions to foundation problems that cause cracked bricks is installing push and helical foundation piers around your house’s foundation. Piers lift and stabilize the settling foundation so the structure is level and secure. Piers are installed underneath the foundation itself, screwed deep enough into the ground to reach the bedrock.

In addition to installing foundation piers, we may employ one or both of these foundation fixes to stabilize your house:

Wall Anchors: Steel anchors are securely embedded in the foundation and bolted into the solid soil, counteracting the inward boring that causes cracking.
Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement: We apply carbon-fiber straps to bowing basement walls, bonding them with high-quality epoxy to provide tensile strength to stabilize brick walls.

Why Address Brick Cracks Now?

Small cracks in the brick may seem like a minor issue, but over time, it could lead to more expensive and extensive problems. There are a few very good reasons to address cracks in your home’s brick as soon as you notice them:

Prevent Moisture Damage: As the cracks get bigger, the underlying structure and plywood are exposed. Moisture from rain or snow can get into the wood and damage it, causing mold growth and wood rot.
Reduce Costly Damage: Tackling foundation issues, while small, is much less invasive and expensive than it may be later.
Improve Home Value: Cracked bricks and crumbling mortar reduce your curb appeal – and savvy buyers will see these as a red flag for foundation damage.

Contact The Basement Guys for Cracked Brick Repairs

Don’t trust your Ohio home to any foundation repair company but the best—The Basement Guys. We offer a free initial inspection and professional recommendations to solve the underlying problems causing cracked bricks. Our skilled foundation repair teams work with you to find effective solutions within your budget.

Contact The Basement Guys for the best foundation repair service.

FAQs

Are cracked bricks a foundation problem?

Cracked bricks can indicate underlying foundation problems, like settlement or structural movement, especially if the cracks appear in a pattern or are accompanied by other signs of foundation damage. It’s important to learn the cause of the cracks to determine if foundation problems are the culprit.

Are cracked bricks dangerous?

Cracked bricks can signify potential safety risks if left unaddressed. Depending on the severity and cause of the cracks, they may lead to further structural damage or compromise the home’s stability.

Can I fix my cracked bricks on my own?

Fixing cracked bricks requires specialized knowledge and tools to ensure proper repair and prevent recurrence. DIY repairs may work for minor cosmetic cracks, but significant structural issues require a foundation expert who is experienced in brickwork repair. Contact The Basement Guys® for a free inspection to determine whether the cracked brick is cosmetic or structural.