Causes Of Vertical Cracks In Concrete Walls

The near vertical cracking could be caused by settlement heaving or soil subsidence due to tree roots but most often a vertical crack is due to thermal expansion and contraction of a long wall.

Causes of vertical cracks in concrete walls.

Vertical and diagonal cracks in concrete walls typically indicate foundation movement. Four causes of cracks above openings in masonry walls are. Wednesday march 27 2019. Vertical cracks are rare in a concrete block or brick wall because the mortar is usually weaker structurally and the crack will zig zag along the mortar joints only occasionally fracturing directly through the brick or block as it continues along.

The causes of vertical cracks are usually traced to vertical dislocation of the foundation footing or entire wall. The cause of the crack how harmful the crack is and how best to repair it if repair is deemed necessary. Vertical cracks in a foundation wall wider at bottom than top usually due to settlement under building occasionally due to frost heave at a point. If your wall cracks appear following construction in your area you should seek an urgent assessment of the cracks and legal advice.

That said interior wall cracks often have different causes than exterior wall cracks. The use of heavy machinery vibration excessive mechanical compaction of the soil or blasting the use of explosives to excavate can all cause your walls to crack. These cracks may be less serious than horizontal when found in a masonry block wall. Removal of windows or doors with inadequate propping inadequate bearings loads applied directly over the opening no lintels.

The cracks in your walls form for a reason. The location and pattern of cracks are the most important factors in de termining their cause. Stair step cracks may also signify heaving.