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If your home is built with masonry, there’s a good chance you will eventually see cracks appear on the walls. A small separation may be only a surface crack, with no real danger of affecting your home’s structure. On the other hand, the same small crack could also be a sign of bigger problems happening below the surface. There are a few common types of masonry cracks which can help you determine whether you should call a masonry expert for repairs.

Stair-Step Cracks

One of the most common cracks you will notice in masonry walls is the stair-step crack. These resemble the outline of a stairway, zig-zagging down the wall. Depending on where the crack is located, it may be caused by different factors, including:

• Settlement. Homes will settle over time, causing cracks in the masonry. Most settlement cracks occur near the corners of the walls. While these are usually not a danger, they can leave the home open to infestation and other problems, so it’s best to have them repaired as quickly as possible.
• Thermal expansion. Masonry is susceptible to expanding when heated, causing cracks in the walls. Most commonly, this happens on exterior walls exposed to afternoon sun. These can be located anywhere on the sun-exposed wall, and should be evaluated by a masonry expert.

The most dangerous crack scenarios are cracks combined with bowing or bulging walls. These walls may be in danger of falling, causing extensive damage to the structure and putting your family at risk of injury.

Any crack can be the start of more serious problems with your masonry walls. The best solution is to have all cracks evaluated and repaired by a masonry expert as soon you notice them around your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924