Get a FREE Inspection

Foundation Cracks: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Have you noticed cracks forming in your basement walls or along your foundation? Maybe there’s even a little water seeping in after a heavy rain. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by foundation issues and wonder what they mean for your home. Foundation cracks can be a natural part of a home’s aging process, but they can also signal something more serious.

EverDry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana understands the concerns homeowners have when they notice foundation cracks or water issues. With decades of experience in the Greater Indianapolis area, we know the unique challenges our soil and weather create for home foundations. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the causes of foundation cracks, what risks they pose, and how EverDry can help with effective solutions to protect your home’s stability and safety.

What Causes Foundation Cracks?

Foundation cracks don’t just happen for no reason—they’re often the result of changing soil, moisture levels, or temperature shifts around your home. Over time, these forces can create different types of cracks, like horizontal, vertical, and diagonal cracks. Let’s break down each type and explore what might be causing these common foundation problems.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks are often seen on basement walls and typically result from external pressure, such as hydrostatic pressure caused by excess moisture in the soil. In Indianapolis, where heavy rains and clay-heavy soils are common, this pressure builds up around foundation walls, pushing against them and eventually creating horizontal cracks. Over time, these cracks can weaken the wall, potentially leading to structural issues.

Signs of horizontal cracks include:

  • Bowing or bulging walls
  • Uneven floors
  • Windows and doors that are difficult to open or close

Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks are generally caused by normal settling as the foundation gradually shifts over time. These cracks aren’t always a sign of serious foundation issues, but they can still allow water seepage into your house, which may lead to mold growth or water damage if left unchecked. In areas with fluctuating weather and moisture levels, like Central Indiana, vertical cracks are quite common.

Signs of vertical cracks include:

  • Moisture or seepage along the crack lines
  • Discolored spots on basement walls
  • Chipping or flaking concrete around the cracks

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks often form when the foundation settles unevenly due to changing soil conditions or poor drainage around the home. The soil may expand when it’s wet and contract when it dries out, causing shifts that put stress on the foundation. These cracks are usually a sign of soil stability issues and cause further damage over time.

Signs of diagonal cracks include:

  • Cracks that widen over time
  • Gaps between walls and floors or around windows
  • Visible moisture near the cracks, especially after rainfall


Not all cracks are immediately serious, but even minor cracks can become significant problems if they worsen. Consulting a foundation repair company can help you determine the severity of the cracks and decide on the next steps to protect your home’s foundation.

What Happens If I Don’t Fix a Cracked Foundation?

Ignoring a cracked foundation can lead to a host of serious issues. Here’s what could happen if you don’t address foundation cracks:

  • Structural Damage: Cracks can compromise your foundation’s structural integrity, leading to bowing walls and potentially even foundation failure.
  • Water Damage: Cracks allow water to seep into your basement, increasing moisture levels, which can lead to mold growth and water damage.
  • Increased Repair Costs: Small cracks can turn into more costly repairs if ignored, leading to costly repairs down the line.
  • Poor Indoor Air Quality: Water infiltration can encourage mold and mildew growth, impacting indoor air quality and posing health risks.
  • Reduced Property Value: Unaddressed foundation cracks can decrease your home’s resale value as buyers may view it as a foundation problem.

All foundation issues should be evaluated by a foundation repair contractor who can accurately assess the risks and recommend a solution. Don’t wait for minor cracks to turn into more significant problems; reach out to a foundation repair expert like EverDry to ensure your foundation is solid and safe.

Foundation Repair Services from EverDry

EverDry specializes in foundation repair services for various foundation types, including block, clay tile, and poured concrete foundations. Our experts are equipped to address everything from minor foundation cracks to severe structural issues, including bowed and cracked walls.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: A cost-effective solution to stabilize cracks and prevent further movement, using materials that are incredibly strong and non-invasive.
  • Underpinning: Strengthens weak foundations by adding support, which is often necessary for addressing more extensive structural issues.
  • Hydraulic Lifting: A technique used to lift sinking foundations, often using hydraulic piers or helical piers to support the foundation and prevent further settling.
  • Concrete Lifting: This process raises sinking or uneven concrete slabs back to their original position, ensuring a level and safe foundation.

Stabl-Wall™: A Convenient, High-Strength Solution for Foundation Repairs

When it comes to repairing cracked or compromised foundation walls, Stabl-Wall™ offers a powerful yet low-maintenance solution designed to reinforce and stabilize your foundation permanently. This cutting-edge system uses carbon fiber sheets that are applied directly to your foundation walls, providing unmatched strength—ten times stronger than steel in tensile strength. Here’s how Stabl-Wall™ stands out as the most convenient and effective choice for your Indianapolis foundation repair.

  • Reinforces Without Stretching or Weakening: Stabl-Wall™ uses advanced polymer carbon fiber technology that, once applied, won’t stretch or lose its integrity over time. The carbon fiber sheets are bonded with epoxy, creating a tight, unmoving grip that keeps existing cracks from widening, shifting, or compromising the foundation further.
  • Virtually Invisible and Seamless: After installation, Stabl-Wall™ is virtually unnoticeable. The carbon fiber sheets can be easily painted, paneled, or dry-walled over, making it a perfect solution for homeowners who want a discreet repair that won’t interfere with the look of their basement or foundation walls.
  • Cost-Effective and Non-Intrusive: Unlike other methods, such as wall anchors that can be costly and require excavation, Stabl-Wall™ is a minimally invasive installation. It’s designed for cracks up to two inches wide and works effectively on any foundation type.

 

With EverDry, we don’t just repair the cracks; we address the underlying causes of your foundation issues. Our services, including basement waterproofing, crawl space waterproofing, and drainage system improvements, ensure that your Indianapolis home is protected from future damage.

Need Foundation Repairs? Talk to EverDry

Since 1978, EverDry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana has built a reputation as a trusted and compassionate foundation repair company in the Greater Indianapolis area. We understand that foundation damage can be stressful, and the foundation repair cost is a concern for many homeowners. That’s why our team is here to assess your home thoroughly, identify the root cause of foundation cracks, and recommend the right solution for your needs and budget.

At EverDry, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, with transparent pricing, financing options, and professional support to make the process as smooth as possible. For a free estimate and a full inspection of your home’s foundation, contact EverDry today. Our caring, knowledgeable team is ready to protect your home’s stability and give you peace of mind with solutions that last.

EverDry Solutions

Everdry of Greater Indiana offers multiple solutions so you can be
sure to find the perfect one for your home!

Exterior

Exterior

Put an end to dampness, cracks, bowing walls, mildew and musty smells with the Everdry Solution.

Interior

Interior

Put an end to dampness, cracks, bowing walls, mildew and musty smells with the Everdry Solution.

Multistep

Multistep

Put an end to dampness, cracks, bowing walls, mildew and musty smells with the Everdry Solution.

Customer Reviews

[saswp-reviews-collection id="258"]