Vertical cracks in foundation wall

[AlexWong122]

Hi All,

What do you think is the cause for the vertical crack in the basement wall of single family home as shown below? It was discovered in several places of an 50 years old house.

It seems to be an old cracks but does not seems to be due to shrinkage or temperature. My first guess will be due to differential settlement over the years but not sure.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[klaus.]

many reasons are possible....most likely differential settlement

 

[msquared48]

Wider at top than bottom. Rotational settlement.

Do you see splash blocks at the downspouts?

If so, need to tightline the downspouts. Seen it too many times...

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[XR250]

If it ain't bowing inwards, then differential settlement would be my guess.

 

[AskTooMuch]

What is the solution for this? Do we need to jack up one side of the foundation settling with helical piles? This is the most common solution I'm seeing residential foundation settling. I wonder if there are other solution to this or when to just expoxy the crack if it's not active.

 

[Ron247]

If the house is not for sale and there is time to investigate over time ( 1 year or more). Accurately document the size, lengths etc and take digital pictures. Check it again in 6 months and in 1 year. If there is no change, continue documenting to see if it ever does get worse. If it is not a true current structural problem, I would not do any costly repair if it is not continuing to get worse with time.

 

[klaus.]

It is an old house....probably the crack is there for a long time ...so no problem