Not all foundation cracks are the same. Learn how to tell if a crack in your Westmont, IL home is serious—and when it’s time to call a professional for inspection or repair.
Foundation cracks are one of the most common concerns for Westmont homeowners, especially in basements with poured concrete or cinder block walls. Cracks can appear for many reasons—some harmless, others a sign of deeper structural issues. Knowing how to tell the difference can save you time, money, and future damage to your home.
In this article, we’ll explain how to identify different types of foundation cracks, what causes them, and when they should be professionally evaluated.
Westmont homes are built on dense, clay-rich soil that expands when saturated and contracts when dry. These soil shifts put pressure on foundations, especially during wet springs or dry summers. Add in freeze-thaw cycles, home settling, and occasional construction flaws, and cracks are nearly inevitable.
The key is knowing which cracks are normal—and which indicate a growing or dangerous problem.
Hairline cracks are very thin and usually appear shortly after construction as concrete cures and settles. These are often found in basement floors or walls and are rarely a cause for concern—unless they start to grow or leak water.
Keep an eye on them, but no immediate action is usually needed.
Vertical cracks that run straight up and down (or slightly diagonal) are typically caused by normal settling. They’re often found in poured concrete foundations and may appear within the first few years after construction.
If the crack is narrow and not widening, it’s likely non-structural. However, if water is entering through the crack, professional sealing may still be recommended to prevent moisture problems.
Horizontal cracks—especially in cinder block or brick foundations—are more serious. These often indicate that hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil is pushing against the wall. Over time, this pressure can cause walls to bow, buckle, or even collapse.
If you see a horizontal crack, particularly one that runs through the middle of the wall or follows the mortar joints, it’s time to schedule an inspection.
Stair-step cracks follow the mortar lines of block or brick walls in a zigzag pattern. These often occur when one section of the foundation settles more than the rest—a condition known as differential settlement.
Small stair-step cracks may not be urgent, but larger ones or those accompanied by bulging or inward movement require immediate attention.
Cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or cracks that seem to be growing over time, suggest structural movement. These should never be ignored. Expansion may indicate ongoing soil shifting, improper load support, or even a compromised footing.
You may also notice doors and windows sticking, sloping floors, or visible gaps along the baseboards—other signs that your foundation is moving.
In addition to the type and width of the crack, here are some red flags that suggest your foundation problem is more than cosmetic:
These are strong indicators that something structural is going on—and the earlier it’s addressed, the more affordable and effective the repair will be.
In most Westmont homes, serious cracks are caused by pressure from outside or instability underneath:
Cracks caused by these forces don’t repair themselves—and often worsen over time if left unaddressed.
At Accu-Dry, we start with a free inspection of your foundation—both inside and outside. We evaluate the size, shape, location, and behavior of any visible cracks, and determine whether they’re cosmetic, structural, or moisture-related.
If a repair is needed, we may recommend:
Every repair is tailored to the specific conditions in your Westmont home and backed by warranty.
If you’ve noticed a crack in your foundation—even if it seems small—it’s worth getting a professional opinion. What starts as a minor issue can turn into major damage, especially in Westmont’s wet spring seasons or after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Contact Accu-Dry today for a free foundation crack inspection. We’ll help you determine if it’s serious—and what you need to do to fix it the right way.
