A stair step crack is a diagonal crack but since mortar is usually not as strong as concrete block or brick the crack migrates to the mortar joints as it zigzags along a path of least resistance.
Stair step cracks in concrete block walls.
This is fixable in many cases but a professional should inspect it before you repair to ensure that the wall doesn t need to be rebuilt.
Hairline cracking within concrete block walls often referred to as stair step cracking or mortar joint cracking is an example of an imperfection or distress but does not typically compromise structural integrity.
One of the most common reasons footings move is water or moisture in the soil under the footing freezes expands and lifts the footing and foundation wall.
All of which are anticipated can be predicted and need to be accounted for in design and construction.
If you notice a stair step crack think of it in the same terms you would a diagonal crack.
Hairline cracking within concrete block walls often referred to as stair step cracking or mortar joint cracking is an example of an imperfection or distress but does not typically compromise structural integrity.
Hairline cracking within concrete block walls is the result of internal stresses resulting from shrinkage creep and thermal expansion and contraction.
Instead your foundation may be expanding and retracting in response to the weather.
According to almost home stair step cracks in cinder block foundation walls usually found in unfinished.
The crack will be a result of that rapid change.
Concrete is usually enough to bind together minor wall damage.
In some cases the ground can settle under or push in on the walls creating cracks.
Vertical and diagonal cracks in concrete walls typically indicate foundation movement.
If the cracks or holes don t take up the majority of the block or extend to more than a few blocks try using concrete to fill in the damage.
Stair step patterned cracks many times are an indication the footing under the foundation wall is moving.
Footings can move for many reasons.
Very serious step cracking damage in block foundations or walls vertical movement in a concrete block or brick wall might appear as either vertical cracks but more often as step cracks in which the crack pattern follows the mortar joints between the masonry units in a stair stepping pattern.
Stair step concrete block walls often crack along their block lines.
If a vertical crack widens at the top or bottom the wall is either settling or gradually heaving which may present serious issues.
The continuous pattern usually follows the grout or cement lines between cinder blocks.
Stair step cracks may also signify heaving.
When the frost melts the wall drops.
Sometimes a stair step crack will mostly follow the mortar joints then take a short cut through a defective block or brick before returning to the stair step pattern.
