Have you noticed cracks in your Oklahoma home’s crawl spaces, basement, walls, or ceilings?
If so, you’re definitely not alone. Between our state’s clay soil, aging houses, and drastic temperature changes, a lot of homeowners notice the effects of a shifting foundation.
But cracks don’t always mean your structural integrity is at risk. Some damage is minor and doesn’t require more than cosmetic repairs, while other cracks are a sign of big problems.
How do you tell the difference? Here’s what we tell Oklahoma homeowners to help you be informed and make a good decision about your house’s upkeep.
What Causes Cracks to Form in a House?
Normal Settling
All soil undergoes small movements from time to time. If this shifting is minor, it’s not a structural concern—but it may cause a few vertical cracks in walls.
Temperature and Weather
When the seasons change and temperatures rise or fall, construction materials like wood can temporarily expand or shrink. This minor movement can result in small cracks.
Soil Expansion and Contraction
The clay soil of Oklahoma is prone to expand and contract during periods of high moisture and drought as well as cold snaps. This can cause Tulsa area homes to shift, leading to cracks in walls.
Mistakes during Construction
Faulty building methods or contractors who cut corners can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. These mistakes can result in walls that shift and crack.
Tree Roots
Large trees in your yard can be a problem, because the roots will grow and eventually put pressure on your home’s walls and foundations. Many Oklahoma neighborhoods, especially older ones, face this challenge.
Excess Moisture
The biggest reason for foundational damage is water damage, which can be due to leaky roofs, faulty drainage, pipe breaks, flooding, and other issues. So, if you suspect the cracks in your home are related to moisture damage, you should get an inspection right away.
What Types of Cracks Should You Keep an Eye On?
Small, thin cracks that remain the same are less of an issue than large cracks that grow worse. So it’s important to inspect your home regularly for any signs of damage.
A simple way to keep an eye on cracks is to mark the ends with a pencil, and jot down the date. Periodically check to see if the cracks grow past the pencil marks—which means you may have a worsening structural issue.
Here are a few other general guidelines to keep in mind as you assess your home’s walls and foundation.
Vertical Cracks
This type of crack is often the result of your home settling. If they are hairline to less than 1/8-inch wide and appear in the middle of the wall, vertical cracks are usually not a concern.
However, if vertical cracks are wider than 1/8-inch, are growing worse, or are located at the corners of the foundation, it’s time for an inspection.
Diagonal and Stair-Step Cracks
Diagonal cracks can appear anywhere in a wall, but they most commonly appear where ceilings meet walls, and where walls meet the top corners of door frames.
These cracks are often caused by minor settling. However, if you see a diagonal crack that is accompanied by the wall tilting in, especially in basement areas, this can mean potential foundation issues.
Stair-step cracks are similar, and appear in walls made of cement blocks or bricks. They may result from settling, but if they are wider than ½-inch, it can be a sign of a structural defect.
Horizontal Cracks
These are the most problematic type of crack you may find in your home, because they result from water damage. The cause is usually poor drainage, which leads to moisture getting into your walls and weakening them. This problem will only grow worse and put your home at great risk.
If you see horizontal cracks anywhere in your house, call the experts for an immediate assessment.
How Do You Know when a Crack Is Serious?
Telling the difference between signs of minor settling versus major damage is important—because the sooner you address structural problems, the easier it will be to repair them.
A great inspection from a team of structural experts like Edens Structural Solutions can help pinpoint what’s happening and what the most practical next steps are.
If you see these issues, have them inspected immediately!
- Ceiling damage — Cracks in the ceiling or where the ceiling meets walls can be signs of moisture damage, a leak, or a structural issue that can make your ceiling collapse.
- Popped nails or screws in walls — If these are popping out or suddenly visible through drywall, there’s something creating pressure, which isn’t good for your walls.
- Uneven flooring — Especially on your ground level, uneven floors mean the foundation has shifted and tilted or become sunken.
- Windows and doors won’t open — This can be a sign of structural damage, especially if you’ve eliminated causes like paint or broken springs. Other signs of a serious problem include wide gaps around door frames, and diagonal cracks rising up the wall from the corners of doors and windows.
- Bowing — If walls, ceilings or floors are twisted, bowed, or leaning—in other words, they’re visibly off kilter—this is a sign the structure is deeply damaged and in danger of collapsing.
Get Peace of Mind from Pros Who Understand Oklahoma Homes
At Edens Structural Solutions, we know that Oklahoma homeowners have many questions when they see cracks in their walls. And we want you to feel knowledgeable and well-informed about how to care for your foundation.
Our complete guide to foundation repair provides useful information to recognize what causes cracks in Oklahoma homes and what to do when you need repairs. Check it out, and contact us with any questions you have.
