crack(s) in basement wall

mostsmooth · #1 04-26-2006, 12:39 AM

another homeowner question
so im in the basement and notice a crack in the basement wall. im not quite sure what type of block the wall is made of, but theres a hairline-ish crack running from the top of the wall, almost down to the basement floor. the crack doesnt stay between the blocks (meaning it does stay in the cement between the blocks going down,right,down,right etc.), it goes across them as well. are these types of things normal?
this may or may not be a very stupid question, i dont know.
thanks in advance

ChicoLind · #2 04-26-2006, 01:02 AM

This happens quite a bit with block foundations. but since it goes the whole way from top to bottom has me worried. How old is your home?

Metal_Rat · #3 04-26-2006, 01:08 AM

I had a new house and was told that hairline cracks would form as the building settled. Told not to worry as this is the norm.

Only needed to be concerned if the cracks widen as these could make it through the entire foundation and you would get water seepage.

Fortunately, my house never had problems (only lived there for 7 years).

My dad's house is VERY old and has huge cracks (1/4") that recently began to seep water.

Also sump pump and a land with good drainage helps too.

ChicoLind · #4 04-26-2006, 01:11 AM

this is true, if you live in a climate with the "freeze/thaw" cycle, it can widen cracks very quickly.

Minor cracks in a poured foundation are expected. with a block foundation along the seems though however is a bit more concerning.

mostsmooth · #5 04-26-2006, 01:35 AM

[ QUOTE ]
This happens quite a bit with block foundations. but since it goes the whole way from top to bottom has me worried. How old is your home?

[/ QUOTE ]
note very old. like 3 years or so.

mostsmooth · #6 04-26-2006, 01:37 AM

[ QUOTE ]

with a block foundation along the seems though however is a bit more concerning.

[/ QUOTE ]
along the seems?
are you talking about the joints between the blocks, or something else?

ChicoLind · #7 04-26-2006, 01:42 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

with a block foundation along the seems though however is a bit more concerning.

[/ QUOTE ]
along the seems?
are you talking about the joints between the blocks, or something else?

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along the joints (we call them seems). Are the cracks very small, less can a a couple mm, or bigger? Have you noticed any cracks on other sides of the foundations? What part of the country to do you live (do you have 4 seasons)?

mostsmooth · #8 04-26-2006, 01:47 AM

the cracks are pretty much just big enough to notice they are cracks. i guess they are in the 1-2mm range.
i live near atlantic city, so four seasons.
i would have to go look outside to see about any cracks.its dark now though.

Spota · #9 04-26-2006, 07:35 AM

I assume this is an underground wall? They are most likley okay. You should fill them with silicone.

Ray Zee · #10 04-26-2006, 03:59 PM

it is not normal and should not happen. but it does on alot of places. over time they will widen as its from the house settling. i cant believe a modern house was built with blocks and not a poured wall.
there is joint stuff you can put in them when they get big enough to fit it in. if water starts coming thru then its time for a sealer, maybe inside and out.