Do you have some cracked paint in your home that you’ve brushed off because “it’s probably just cosmetic?” Or maybe you even brushed OVER with new paint like it never happened in the first place?
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but cracks in your paint could point to a much more serious issue—foundation settlement. Sure, some foundation settlement is natural, but when it causes damage to the base of your home, the structural integrity of your house could become compromised.
How exactly can you be sure, though? Well, the best thing to do is to look for other signs of foundation settlement.
Telltale Signs of Foundation Settlement
- Paint cracks are accompanied by other wall cracks, such as diagonal cracks, floor cracks, cracks around doors and/or windows, and vertical cracks from the top of a door to your ceiling.
- Bowed or leaning basement walls.
- Windows and doors stick and are difficult to open.
- Stairstep-shaped cracks in brick or block mortar.
- Interior plaster walls/drywall crack.
- Chimney tilts or leans.
- Foundation starts to sink.
Cracks can appear in different sizes, shapes, patterns, and lengths. Be sure to note that the deeper a crack is, the more of a concern it should be. A trained professional should look at all foundation cracks to determine what has caused them, and the best way to stop them.
Don’t Let Cracks Get Worse Over Time!
Why let the problems continue to cause your home and property further damage — damage that will not only cost you more money in repairs but dramatically lower the value of your property? BDB Foundation Repair is your foundation repair and wall stabilization solution.
Contact BDB Foundation Repair for your foundation crack repair solution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are paint cracks always a sign of foundation problems?
Not always. Small hairline paint cracks can happen from normal settling or humidity changes, but wider cracks near doors, windows, or ceilings may point to foundation movement.
When should I worry about cracks in painted walls?
You should be concerned if cracks keep growing, appear in stair-step patterns, or come with sticking doors, uneven floors, or wall separation signs inside your home.
Can foundation issues cause recurring paint cracks?
Yes. If the foundation continues shifting, paint cracks may return even after repainting because the underlying structural movement has not been repaired properly.
What types of wall cracks indicate serious structural damage?
Horizontal, diagonal, and stair-step cracks are often more serious than small vertical hairline cracks because they can signal pressure, settlement, or movement.
How can I tell if paint cracks are cosmetic or structural?
Cosmetic cracks are usually thin and stable, while structural cracks may widen over time and appear with moisture, sticking windows, or foundation shifts.