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Warning Signs of Foundation Trouble

Cracked Bricks

Cracking Bricks: What you need to know

Most homes since the 1950's have concrete foundations with brick veneer or facade. If you see cracking in your brick, it could just require cosmetic masonry work. However, it is important to call a professional like Arta Foundations to inspect your walls to make sure it's not an indication of underlying structural damage such as rusting support beams or a sinking foundation.

If you allow your brick to continue cracking without having it assessed, you run the risk of allowing structural damage to continue and get worse. Below are some common types of brick cracking that we see, as well as what the causes and solutions can be for each of these cracks.

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Cracked Bricks on Your Chimney

Did you know: A large chimney can weigh over 5 tons! Clearly, a strong base is important to keep your chimney steady and upright. If your foundation or the soil beneath can not support the weight of your chimney, it will begin to tilt. A tilting chimney is a huge warning sign that you may have foundation issues. One of the first signs that this is happening is that you may see your chimney begin to separate from your home. If you see this occur, you need to contact a foundation specialist promptly. If you allow your chimney to further separate or tilt, it could result in a collapse of the chimney, causing injury and damage to yourself and your property.

At Arta Foundation Repairs, we specialize in repairing foundation problems. Our high-quality foundation repair solutions can fix a tilting chimney and ensure that it stays in its proper position. Once the chimney is correctly positioned, we’ll make sure that any gaps or holes are sealed correctly with mortar, foam, caulk, and other materials to create a permanent repair solution. In addition, we will check your whole foundation to make sure that there are not additional issues.

Common Types of Cracks and the Causes and Solutions

Horizontal cracks high on your wall

If cracks are at the top of your walls & you have steel support beams, it most likely is due to pressure built up from the beams rusting. Moisture from your bricks easily seeps into the beams and causes rust. If you notice this, you should call a professional before additional bricks crack.

Horizontal cracks down by foundation/floor

This often indicates structural damage such as settling or sinking of your foundation.

Cracks in brick steps

Cracks can occur in your brick steps as normal wear & tear. If your stairs are attached to your foundation however, this can indicate foundation settling and requires a professional to repair before more significant damage is done.

Vertical cracking near wall seams on the outside of your home

Much like horizontal cracks high on your wall, vertical cracking near wall seams (where your brick meets your support beams) can indicate rust collecting from your beams and pushing against your walls. This requires a professional to prevent significant damage.