A one-story brick house we're buying has a crack, which goes up from one of the concrete blocks of the foundation, about halfway up the house. It's widest at the bottom, 1/16th inch, and gets narrower and less severe the higher you look.
The concrete blocks enclose a concrete slab foundation. The brick walls are on top of the concrete blocks. The floors are attached directly to the concrete slab. Only one layer of concrete blocks is visible. I don't know if there are more below. The house was built in 1972.
The crack seems to be caused by damage to just one concrete block. That block is cracked in such a way that the surface sticks out at the bottom of the block, with the crack going up from there through the bricks. It's close to one corner of the house.
Our inspector said it's not serious, and we should just caulk and seal it. Is he probably right? Or should we worry? The appraiser either didn't notice or didn't care. His value is higher than what we're paying.
2006-10-08 13:24:08 · 9 answers · asked by x4294967296 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Foundation cracks are fairly common in houses. Sometimes they are signs of a serious problem; Sometimes they are not. It is difficult to evaluate what you describe without actually seeing it. Inspectors, however,see foundation cracks alot and should be competent to evaluate them. Did you hire a inspector you trust?
Here are a few things to consider..
First, vertical and stair-step cracks are usually caused by the ground under the house settling. A small crack such as the one you describe is probably not serious if it has been like that for a long time, such as several years. If, however, the crack is new and/growing, then a foundation expert (i.e. a structural engineer) should inspect it. The owner may be able to provide some information regarding the history of the crack if he knows and can be trusted.
Horizontal cracks are usually of greater concern. They indicate that there is excessive outside pressure on the wall, usually caused by water. You can test see how far the wall is pushed in by using a long level, held vertically against the wall. I would consult an expert if it is more than two inches off being plumb. Again, it makes a difference if the crack has been stable, is new or is growing. With a horizontal crack I would find out what is causing the excessive pressure. It could be as simple as poor grading or clogged gutters.
2006-10-09 14:00:14 · answer #1 · answered by Paul D 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cracks In Brick Walls
2016-11-04 04:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, Any crack in the foundation is not a good sign. You didn't say if the house has a basement. If it does CHECK IT OUT. I am a Realtor and last year I had a seller Client theat with held information about cracks in the foundation. I saw a small crack in the front of the house and told them it had to be repaired BEFORE we could go to Settlement, this was done by a concrete person that I recommended to them but 2 days before settlement the Buyers had a walk through inspection when we were checking the water shutoff for the hose bib ( located inside where the crack was repaired outside) behind the panneling low and behold the entire foundation was cracked from below the grade from one side of the house to the other. My clients knew they had a problem because it was evident they had tried to fix it as you described above ( it didn't work it only got worse so they covered it up.
Don't let this happen to you. where there is one crack they MAY be more. If there are have the sellers fix it PRIOR TO SETTLEMENT OR HAVE THE FUNDS ESCROWED UNTIL IT IS FIXED.
I do not know where you live but in Virginia a Buyer is protect from things like this.
2006-10-15 13:34:34 · answer #3 · answered by Twila N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Crack in a brick house. How serious is it?
A one-story brick house we're buying has a crack, which goes up from one of the concrete blocks of the foundation, about halfway up the house. It's widest at the bottom, 1/16th inch, and gets narrower and less severe the higher you look.
The concrete blocks enclose a concrete slab...
2015-08-16 19:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
almost all homes crack in some way or another, not just brick. some the ceilings or walls end up cracking, but in your case, unless an expert actually checks it to make sure, no one here really would know for sure how serious it is,if any
2006-10-13 07:22:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you found something of concern. you should be entitled to get an estimate for repairs. That's why you use a Real Estate Agent and/or a lawyer for advice. If you're doing this yourself then you have to figure it all out yourself.
2006-10-08 15:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by zocko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey i am here for the first time. I came across this question and I find the answers really valuable. I hope to give something back and assist others too.
2016-08-23 08:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd have more cause to worry if the crack widened as it went up the wall.
2006-10-14 15:54:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real serious if the police come over and Raid your pad. Like Nancy Reagan says, "Just say No". Works the best. Lay low. A couple of counseling sessions, a hobby maybe?
2006-10-08 21:28:42 · answer #9 · answered by Hollygood 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yeah it might be right
2016-07-27 13:28:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋