Cracks in the basement or foundation walls often point to movement beneath the surface. The types of cracks in walls can indicate whether your home is settling or if the wall is being pushed inward by outside pressure. Each pattern gives important clues about what’s happening to the structure.

The Two Main Types of Wall Cracks

There are generally two kinds of wall cracks found in foundations: horizontal or diagonal cracks and vertical cracks. Each one tells a different story about what is happening to the wall structure.

Horizontal and Diagonal Cracks

A horizontal crack runs across the wall or angles downward from a window. These cracks often appear on both poured concrete and block foundation walls. When this happens, it usually means the wall is moving inward because of lateral pressure from the soil.

That inward movement is a clear sign that the wall is under stress and starting to shift. If ignored, the movement can continue and make the structure weaker over time.

Key Takeaway: Horizontal or diagonal cracks are linked to pressure pushing the wall inward, not simple cosmetic settling. These cracks should be inspected as soon as possible.

Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks run straight up and down. In most cases, these are related to settlement. When the soil beneath your foundation shifts or compresses unevenly, parts of the house settle differently. That movement causes the wall to separate vertically.

Vertical cracking doesn’t always mean severe damage, but it is a clear signal that settlement has occurred or is still happening. Monitoring these cracks and calling for a professional opinion early helps prevent more serious foundation issues later.

Common Causes of Foundation Wall Cracks

Cracks in the walls of a basement or foundation usually develop because of a few consistent factors. Understanding these helps homeowners manage maintenance before small cracks grow larger.

Water and Drainage Issues

Older homes often develop cracks when water is not managed properly around the foundation. Without good grading, clear gutters, or maintained window wells, water pools near the base of the home. Over time, that added moisture increases soil pressure and weakens wall stability.

Maintaining proper slope and drainage helps keep foundation walls from shifting inward or settling unevenly.

Pro Tip: Keep all gutters flowing away from your home, clean window wells regularly, and make sure your yard slopes outward so water never collects near the foundation.

Lack of Routine Maintenance

Many foundation problems can be prevented with simple homeowner maintenance. Keeping gutters and window wells clean, checking water flow during rain, and ensuring that the ground slopes away from the home are key steps in keeping walls stable.

Key Takeaway: A well-maintained drainage system is your first defense against foundation cracking and shifting.

Need expert help with foundation crack repair? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free consultation and honest evaluation.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice cracks forming or see areas that don’t look right, it’s best to call for a professional inspection. At Olson Foundation Repair, we offer free estimates and can help you decide whether the issue needs repair or monitoring.

We often visit homes where someone purchased an epoxy injection kit online, spent hundreds of dollars, and tried to fix the crack themselves. Nearly every time, those repairs fail, and the homeowner ends up calling us to correct them. Without proper materials and experience, DIY repairs don’t solve the problem and usually cost more in the long run.

DIY vs. Professional Assessment

Unless you have hands-on experience with structural materials and know exactly what caused the crack, it’s safer to let a professional handle the job. Our team can provide specific tips, explain what’s happening, and make sure the fix addresses the real problem, not just the surface damage.

Protecting Your Foundation

The types of cracks in walls can tell you whether your home is settling or shifting inward from outside pressure. Regular maintenance, good drainage, and quick professional inspections are the best ways to keep your foundation secure.

If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, reach out to our team. We’re always ready to assess your situation, explain your options, and help protect your home’s structure for years to come.

Contact Olson Foundation Repair today for a free inspection and professional advice on your foundation needs.