In most cases basement foundation walls are fabricated from concrete. Cracks in basement walls are common and should be addressed before more serious issues occur. In some cases these cracks are the main entry point for water entering the basement. Cracks in Foundation walls develop for a variety reasons:
- Soil Erosion: This happens if the soil beneath the footing either washes away due to capillarity or a pipe leak and the footing (and basement wall on top of the footing) settles into the depression which can cause a vertical wall crack to develop.
- Hydrostatic Pressure: Water soaked soil exerts tremendous pressure over time on the foundation walls which can cause horizontal and/or vertical cracks.
- Shrinkage of Concrete or Mortar: These cracks are small and usually do not increase size or compromise the foundation. They are cosmetic imperfections in the walls.
- Construction Problems: substandard concrete, undersized footings and insufficient support beams are a few examples that can lead to cracks developing in foundation walls.