Cracked Bricks

Cracked bricks on your home aren’t just a cosmetic problem—they can be a sign of foundation brick damage or other serious issues. At Alpha Foundations, we help homeowners figure out the causes of cracked bricks and offer the right home brick repair solutions to keep your home safe and sturdy.

As Florida homeowners ourselves, we know how stressful foundation problems can be. That’s why we work quickly and provide solutions that fit your home’s specific needs. Let’s dive deeper into what cracked bricks are and how to fix them.

What are Cracked Bricks?

Cracks in bricks often appear in a stair-step pattern along the mortar lines that hold the bricks together. These cracks can range from small, thin lines to large gaps or crumbling mortar. They’re not just a cosmetic issue—they’re a warning sign that your home’s foundation might be in trouble.

Causes of Cracked Bricks

Brick cracks usually happen because of stress on your home’s foundation. When the foundation shifts or settles, it puts pressure on the structure and causes cracked exterior walls to form. Here are some of the main reasons why bricks crack in homes:

Foundation Settlement – If the soil beneath your foundation is unstable or eroded, it causes your home’s foundation to sink unevenly. This puts stress on your brick walls, especially in problematic soil types like expansive clay.
Tree Roots – If there are any tree roots growing under your home, they can actually push against the foundational structure, erode the soil, and eventually cause damage to brick walls.
Soil Issues – Expanding soil under your home can shift, impacting foundation stability, which in turn puts pressure on your brick walls. In areas with sandy soil, rain can cause the soil to erode and become too weak to support the foundation, also leading to cracked bricks.

Can You Fix Cracked Bricks?

Yes, you can repair cracked bricks—but it’s important to fix the underlying problem, not just the surface cracks. While store-bought mortar repair kits and fillers might seem like quick solutions, they’re only temporary and won’t last.

The real issue lies in your foundation. Until your foundation is stable, the cracks will keep coming back. At Alpha Foundations, we focus on solving the root cause to provide long-term results.

DIY fixes for structural issues can sometimes make things worse, leading to uneven floors or doors and windows that won’t open properly. For reliable and lasting solutions, trust the experts at Alpha Foundations.

How to Fix Cracked Bricks

With Alpha Foundations, we use leading foundation repair solutions (like helical piers and push piers) to push exterior brick walls back into place. Foundation piers are installed under your home’s foundation and pushed deep into the ground until they reach stable bedrock.

This process lifts and stabilizes the foundation, which helps prevent further movement or settling. By stabilizing the foundation, the pressure on the cracked bricks is relieved, stopping the cracks from getting worse and allowing for long-lasting repairs to the brickwork.

Why Address Brick Cracks Now?

Ignoring small brick cracks can allow the underlying issues to exacerbate over time. Here’s why it’s crucial to act swiftly:

Avoid Heftier Damage – Early foundation interventions minimize future deterioration and expense.
Prevent Water Entry – Cracks can become an ingress for moisture into your crawl space, leading to mold formation and wood rot.
Enhance Home Value – Cracked and crumbling brick walls can lower your home’s attractiveness to potential buyers. Structural repairs can bolster property value.

Contact Alpha Foundations for Cracked Brick Repairs

If cracked bricks have you concerned about your home’s structural integrity, Alpha Foundations can help. Our specialized foundation repair services have repaired thousands of exterior brick walls since 2002. 

Remember, cracked bricks should never be ignored—they are a telltale sign that your foundation requires immediate attention. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and get your walls back to normal again!

Brick Cracks FAQs

What do horizontal cracks in my bricks imply?

Horizontal cracks are often a sign of wall bowing, likely due to soil pressure or foundation settlement. These cracks signal a need for structural repair.

Where should I look for brick cracks?

Examine brick veneers, basement walls, and chimneys meticulously. Cracks may initially show up in overlooked places.

What if re-mortaring cracked bricks fails to address the issue?

Simply re-mortaring won’t prevent ongoing cracking. The root foundation issues need to be addressed first, and then the bricks can be re-mortared.