Causes of Foundation Cracks

As a homeowner, you’re probably wondering why there are cracks in the foundation of your house. This is particularly true if you’ve done all the recommended preventative measures.

There are a lot of reasons why foundation cracks appear. It typically ranges from soil settlement to natural disasters. Fortunately, you can easily avoid worrying and panicking if you know the common causes of foundation cracks and you can immediately call a foundation repair San Antonio for help.

Windblown or Falling Objects

These kinds of objects might hit the area of your foundation that is visible above the ground. Also, it is possible for a car to damage that part.


For those who don’t know, a flood is not always a natural disaster. For instance, if your property has an abandoned swimming pool, the water can leak and damage the basement of your house. In addition to that, if you’ve got poorly installed gutters and downspouts, rainwater may pool and leak and can cause the same issue.

Overflowing of Bodies of Water

If you are living near an ocean, lake, or river, you will be prone to flooding. Oftentimes, the banks of these bodies of water might overflow. This will enable the water to reach your house. If the pressure is strong, the water can damage the foundation of your house.

Heavy Machinery

It can inflict damage if a particularly big car or a piece of heavy machinery travels close to your cellar wall. A cement truck or a crane may cause this type of damage.


If the ground below your house settles, fissures can occur. This might happen because of an unsuitable composition of the soil or poor construction practice. For those who don’t know, high-clay content encourages cracking.


If you’ve got a huge tree near your house, its roots might cause damage to the foundation. It can also increase the damage over time. Particular tree species are vulnerable to damaging your house’s underpinnings. This includes oak trees, poplar trees, ash trees, boxelder trees, sycamore trees, aspen trees, and elm trees.


Both major and minor earthquakes can cause cracks in the foundation. A strong earthquake can even detach your house from the foundation. This will damage a huge variety of building equipment and materials.

Track Foundation Cracks

Typically, a foundation crack can present a major threat. That’s why it is crucial to always monitor foundation cracks whenever you notice them. You should utilize a ruler to regularly measure them accurately. It might be an indication of an issue if the crack begins to widen at one end. If the crack is bigger than 1/2 inches, you have to call a professional right away.

There are 2 types of cracks. These are vertical and horizontal cracks. Horizontal cracks can be a result of wind pressure and soil pressure. On the other hand, vertical cracks can be a result of soil settlement. Usually, they are both bad. Both situations need the attention and evaluation of a professional. Thus, if you notice a crack, it’s best to call a professional for help.