Are Foundation Cracks Normal?: Types, Causes, & Repairs

So, you’ve noticed damage on your home’s foundation. You’re likely wondering, are foundation cracks normal?

The short answer is no, they aren’t.

But what makes them dangerous? And why did they appear in the first place? To answer, we wrote this expert guide.

Some foundation cracks look worse than others, but let’s make one thing clear: foundation cracks of any kind have the potential to cause serious damage.

Small foundation cracks are likely to arise as your house settles, and while they are a common occurrence, you should still inspect them regularly. Large cracks, especially those wider than a quarter-inch, or cracks that continue to expand, are clear signs of a serious foundation issue.

If a house’s foundation is severely cracking, the house won’t be able to stand straight. So, while tiny cracks might just be the house “stretching,” it’s good to keep an eye on them. If they grow or if you see other foundation problem signs (like uneven floors or sticking windows and doors), call an expert to check it out.

For homes with a concrete slab foundation, the best repair option is a foundation pier system.

Professional repair companies, including Alpha Foundations, generally offer three types of foundation piers—push piers, slab piers, and helical piers. Each pier system is designed to stabilize and strengthen a building’s foundation, but they differ in their design and situational use.

For instance, push piers can be installed on most structures, while helical piers are designed for lighter buildings and slab piers work best in yards with little space or in situations where the concrete slab damage is difficult to fix from the outside. With a free inspection from Alpha Foundations, our team can show you which foundation pier system is best for your home.