Are foundation cracks serious?
Hairline vs. serious — which cracks are normal and which need a pro.
By The T.A.P. Team · March 2024 · 5 min read
Not every crack means a foundation problem. Fine hairline cracks and shrinkage cracks in concrete and drywall are extremely common and usually harmless, especially in a newer home or after a dry spell. What signals a real issue is the type and behavior: wide cracks (more than about a quarter inch), stair-step cracks in brick, horizontal cracks, cracks that grow over time, or cracks paired with sticking doors and sloping floors. Here's how to tell the difference.
- Hairline / shrinkage cracks: usually normal
- Wide cracks (over ~1/4"): watch closely
- Stair-step cracks in brick: possible movement
- Horizontal cracks: potentially serious
- Cracks that GROW over time: get it checked
Normal cracks
Plenty of cracks are cosmetic. Hairline cracks in drywall, and thin shrinkage or curing cracks in concrete (common as a slab cures in the first year), are usually harmless. Small cracks that don't change over time generally aren't a structural concern — homes settle and materials shrink, and a little cracking comes with the territory, especially on our clay.
Cracks to watch
Some cracks deserve attention: those wider than about a quarter inch, stair-step cracks in brick that follow the mortar joints, and diagonal cracks running from the corners of doors and windows. These can indicate foundation movement — not always, but they're worth monitoring and, combined with other signs, evaluating.
Cracks that concern
A few crack types raise more concern: horizontal cracks (especially in a wall), cracks with a noticeable offset where one side sits higher than the other, and — the biggest tell — any crack that visibly widens or lengthens over weeks and months. Paired with sticking doors or sloping floors, growing cracks point to active movement.
How to tell: monitor for growth
The single most useful thing you can do is monitor. Mark the ends of a crack and note its width with a dated pencil line or a photo; if it grows, that's the signal it's active, not static. Growth plus a cluster of other signs is what turns "probably cosmetic" into "get it evaluated." A free professional evaluation settles it — this guide is general information, not a diagnosis.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline drywall crack | Cosmetic settling | Usually fine; monitor |
| Concrete shrinkage crack | Curing/shrinkage | Normal, especially year 1 |
| Wide crack (over ~1/4") | Possible movement | Watch closely |
| Stair-step brick crack | Possible movement | Monitor; evaluate |
| Horizontal / offset crack | Potentially serious | Get it checked |
| Crack that keeps growing | Active movement | Professional evaluation |
You can DIY
- Mark and date crack widths
- Photograph cracks over time
- Note whether cracks grow
- Check for paired signs (doors, floors)
- Measure the widest point
Call a pro
- Evaluating concerning cracks
- Horizontal or offset cracks
- Cracks that keep growing
- A structural assessment
- Any repair
The question isn't really "is this crack big" — it's "is this crack growing." Static hairline cracks are usually cosmetic; a crack that widens or lengthens over weeks and months is active movement and deserves an evaluation. Mark and date your cracks, watch for a cluster of other signs, and you'll know the difference between a harmless settling crack and one worth a professional look.
Cracks on North Texas clay
Our expansive clay makes some cracking almost universal across Plano, Frisco, and Garland, which is exactly why growth and pattern matter more than the presence of a crack. We offer free evaluations to tell cosmetic from concerning. See our foundation team.
The short version
- Not every crack is a foundation problem — many are cosmetic.
- Hairline drywall cracks and concrete shrinkage cracks are usually harmless.
- Wide (over ~1/4"), stair-step, or diagonal-from-corner cracks are worth watching.
- Horizontal cracks and cracks with an offset can be more serious.
- The biggest tell is growth — a crack that widens over time is active movement.
- Mark and date cracks to track them, and evaluate if they grow or cluster with other signs.
Foundation cracks — frequently asked questions
Not sure about a crack?
Get a free evaluation — we'll tell you if it's cosmetic or real. Serving Dallas–Fort Worth & North Texas for over 25 years.