Crack Repair Overview
Cracks in a foundation — whether in a concrete slab, a masonry block wall, or the exterior brick of a pier-and-beam home — range from cosmetic to structurally significant. The difference is not always obvious to a homeowner, and the same type of crack in two different homes may have very different causes. In the Jackson metro area, seasonal soil movement from Yazoo clay can cause cracks to open and close with the wet and dry seasons, which makes monitoring their behavior over time a useful first step.
Before requesting a quote, take photos of any cracks you are concerned about and note their location, direction (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), approximate width, and whether they appear to have grown or changed. If you can mark the ends of a crack with pencil and date it, that gives a professional useful information. Crack repair may involve filling and sealing, injection with epoxy or polyurethane, or addressing the underlying cause of movement — your quote will depend on what is found.
- Diagonal cracks near door and window openings are often associated with differential settlement and are worth evaluating
- Horizontal cracks in masonry block or poured concrete walls can indicate lateral soil pressure and should be assessed promptly
- Crack repair methods include epoxy injection, polyurethane foam injection, carbon fiber straps, and surface patching — the method depends on cause and location
- Sealing a crack without addressing the cause may allow movement to reopen it — ask the professional what they believe is causing the crack
- Photograph cracks and mark their ends with a date before your inspection so the professional can see whether and how fast they are growing
Sample photo