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When are foundation cracks a problem?

36 Years In Operation
In-house Engineers
ISO Accredited
50 Year Product Warranty

Foundation cracks are a common occurrence in homes and buildings, but not all cracks indicate a serious issue. Some are simply the result of normal settling, while others can point to structural problems, water damage, or soil instability.

Knowing how to differentiate between harmless and concerning cracks is essential to maintaining the safety and stability of your home.

Not all foundation cracks are a cause for panic, but it’s important to monitor them and understand when they require professional attention. Hairline cracks and small vertical cracks are often harmless, while horizontal, stair-step, or widening cracks can indicate serious structural problems.

If you notice cracks accompanied by water leaks, uneven floors, or misaligned doors and windows, it’s best to have your foundation inspected to prevent costly damage in the future.

Contact Mainmark for further assistance.

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Understanding the Different Types of Foundation Cracks
Hairline Cracks
  • These are thin, surface-level cracks that commonly appear due to concrete shrinkage as it cures.
  • They are usually not a structural concern but should still be monitored for changes.
  • If they grow wider or start leaking water, they may need to be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion.

Mainmark provides underpinning in, CanberraHobartTownsville  NSWQLDSAWATasmaniaVictoria plus the major cities of SydneyMelbournePerthAdelaideBrisbane, Newcastle

Mainmark also provide the following in Australia:  wall crack repairs, sinking floor repairConcrete slab repairsinking foundation repairunderpinningground improvementre-levellingsubsidence repairvoid filling and slab lifting

Small Vertical Cracks
  • Vertical cracks that run up and down your foundation walls are typically caused by normal settlement of the home.
  • If they remain under 1/4 inch wide and do not expand, they are usually not a major concern.
  • However, if they continue to widen or show signs of moisture penetration, they should be evaluated.
Wide Cracks
  • These may indicate significant movement or shifting in the foundation.
  • If a crack continues to widen over time, it may be a sign of structural failure.
  • Professional assessment is recommended to determine if repairs are needed.
Horizontal Cracks
  • These are among the most serious types of foundation cracks.
  • They often result from excessive pressure from soil or water buildup outside the foundation walls.
  • They can indicate that the foundation is bowing or at risk of failing.
  • Immediate professional intervention is needed to prevent further damage.
Stair-Step Cracks in Brick or Block Walls
  • These cracks appear in a zigzag pattern along mortar joints in block or brick foundations.
  • They often signal differential settling, where one part of the foundation sinks while the other remains stable.
  • If they continue to widen, they may indicate shifting soil conditions or poor foundation support.
Diagonal Cracks
  • These cracks typically run at an angle and are often caused by uneven settling.
  • They can be minor if small and stable, but if they grow wider or show signs of movement, they may need repair.
  • Diagonal cracks are more concerning if they appear in conjunction with other structural issues, such as misaligned doors or windows.
Slab Floor Cracks
  • Small cracks in concrete slabs are common, but large or expanding cracks can indicate foundation movement.
  • If a crack is wide and runs across the entire slab, it may be a sign of serious settlement issues.
  • Slab cracks that cause uneven floors or create tripping hazards should be inspected.

Mainmark also provide the following in Australia:   wall crack repairs, sinking floor repair, Concrete slab repair, sinking foundation repair, underpinning, ground improvement, re-levelling, subsidence repair, void filling and slab lifting

Start measuring wall cracks from the convenience of your home.

If you notice wall cracks around your home that are:

Large cracks that start at windows, doorways or corners of buildings

Cracks wider than 5mm

Jagged, horizontal or vertical, zig-zagged, stepped in brickwork or follow mortar line

These characteristics may indicate weakness in your property’s foundation.

To help you discover if the cracks in walls around you home could be due to subsidence, we’ve developed this handy tool. Download our FREE crack gauge and start measuring and monitoring the wall cracks around your home now!

Signs That Foundation Cracks Are a Serious Problem
Growth Over Time
  • Any crack that continues to widen, lengthen, or deepen should be considered a red flag.
  • Measure cracks periodically to track changes.
Water Seepage or Moisture Issues
  • If water is leaking through cracks, it can lead to mold, mildew, and foundation weakening.
  • Efflorescence (white powdery residue) around cracks is a sign of water movement.
  • Proper drainage solutions, such as exterior waterproofing or sump pumps, may be needed.
Doors and Windows Sticking or Misaligned
  • If cracks are accompanied by difficulty opening or closing doors and windows, it may signal foundation movement.
  • Gaps appearing around window frames or doorways can also be a sign of shifting.
Uneven or Sloping Floors
  • If floors become uneven, it could indicate that one section of the foundation is sinking.
  • A noticeable tilt or separation between the floor and baseboards suggests movement.
Bowing or Bulging Foundation Walls
  • If walls appear to be pushing inward, it is a sign of excessive pressure from the surrounding soil.
  • This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent collapse.
Cracks Accompanied by Other Structural Issues
  • If cracks are present along with sagging ceilings, cracks in interior drywall, or gaps between walls and floors, it could mean severe foundation shifting.
  • Multiple symptoms appearing together often indicate a major structural concern.

Mainmark provides underpinning in, CanberraHobartTownsville  NSWQLDSAWATasmaniaVictoria plus the major cities of SydneyMelbournePerthAdelaideBrisbane, Newcastle

Mainmark also provide the following in Australia: wall crack repairs, sinking floor repairConcrete slab repairsinking foundation repairunderpinningground improvementre-levellingsubsidence repairvoid filling and slab lifting

Cracks

When to Call a Professional

If you notice any of the following, you should seek a professional foundation inspection:

  • Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or growing over time.
  • Horizontal or stair-step cracks, especially in brick or block walls.
  • Cracks that leak water or show signs of moisture damage.
  • Uneven floors or doors and windows that won’t close properly.
  • Walls bowing inward or significant shifts in the foundation.

A foundation expert like Mainmark can determine the cause of the cracks and recommend appropriate solutions.

 

Cracked Wall Repairs

Before & After Treatment

Trusted by Homeowners Since 1989

Not all cracks in brickwork are cause for concern, but some can indicate serious structural issues. The key is to monitor the size, direction, and progression of cracks. Small, stable cracks are usually harmless, while widening, stair-step, horizontal, or bulging cracks may signal foundation problems that require professional attention.

Features & Benefits

Mainmark’s Solutions & Technologies

Fast

Our technologies have fast curing times and treated areas can be used immediately or without the delays compared to traditional repair methods.

Environmentally Inert

Our technologies use an inert material that is non-toxic and does not leach into the environment or affect the treated area.

Non-Invasive

Our solutions are of surgical nature compared to traditional methods.

Cost-Effective

Compared to traditional methods, our solutions are more cost-effective, with minimal disruption to the area.

Get a FREE quote

Arrange a site assessment in 3 simple steps:

Step 1

Submit your enquiry using our online form. Include a brief message about the type of foundation issues you are experiencing.

Step 2

Our friendly customer service team will be in touch to schedule a site assessment that suits you.

Step 3

One of the Mainmark experts will visit your home or property, assess the damage, and ascertain the likely cause. They will establish the approach needed, creating a plan specific to the needs of your building and provide you with a detailed quote.

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Mainmark

© 2025 The Mainmark group of companies. ‘Mainmark®’, ‘Terefil®’, ‘Terefirm®’ and ‘Teretek®’ are trademarks of the Mainmark group of companies.

Mainmark Ground Engineering Pty Ltd
ABN: 51 606 182 503

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