4 Common Crack Problems found in Homes
It’s a sunny morning, and you’re taking a stroll around your home’s exterior. Everything looks great until you turn the last corner and stop in disbelief: a large crack has appeared in your brickwork. Before you reach for the “For Sale” sign, take a deep breath. Brick masonry is a dynamic system, and cracks are often symptoms of manageable issues. Here is how to identify what is happening to your Massachusetts home and when to call a masonry professional.
4 Common Types of Brick Masonry Cracks
1. Settlement Cracks (The Stair-Step)
These are the most common cracks we see in the MetroWest area. They typically manifest as a “stair-step” pattern, following the mortar joints as they move horizontally and vertically. Usually found near the corners of the home or wing walls, these are often caused by the natural settling of the foundation. While common, they should be monitored to ensure the movement has stabilized before we perform a repointing repair.
2. Thermal Expansion Cracks
Masonry expands when heated by the sun. If a long run of brickwork was built without proper expansion joints, the internal pressure has nowhere to go but out. These vertical or stair-step cracks usually appear in the upper portions of a wall or where a long wall abuts another structure. We fix these by installing the relief joints that should have been there from the start.
3. Steel Lintel Expansion Cracks
If you see cracks at the upper corners of your garage doors, windows, or entryways, the culprit is likely the steel lintel. Steel and brick expand and contract at different rates. Over time, moisture can cause the steel to rust and swell (a process called “jacking”), which exerts massive upward pressure on the brickwork above. This is a technical repair that requires addressing the steel before fixing the brick.
4. Bulging or Bowed Wall Cracks
If a wall appears to be “leaning” or has a visible bulge, this is a serious structural red flag. This can be caused by age-related failure of the wall ties (the metal pieces holding the brick to the wood framing) or improper reinforcement. These issues require immediate professional attention to prevent a total wall collapse.
The Solution: Professional Masonry Diagnostics
It is a good idea to check your home annually for signs of movement. Catching a settlement or thermal crack early can prevent water ingress and more expensive structural damage down the road. At JB Mohler Masonry, we don’t just “patch” cracks—we identify the root cause to ensure the repair lasts.
If you’ve discovered a crack in your Lancaster, Wayland, or Concord home, call 978-365-6800 or complete our online request form for a professional evaluation.
