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If you see cracks in a wall in your basement, you don’t need to panic – but you may need to call in an expert to repair them. Here’s a quick primer on what basement wall cracks mean (and what you need to do if you see them).

What Do Basement Wall Cracks Mean?

Concrete normally shrinks during the curing process, and vertical cracks can develop. In fact, most concrete walls feature cracks that are so small you can barely see them. Usually, you don’t need to worry about these types of cracks; they won’t affect the basement wall’s structural integrity. However, if moisture is seeping through, or if vertical cracks are 1/8-inch wide or wider, you have a problem and you might want to consider waterproofing your walls.

Horizontal Cracks

If your basement wall develops a horizontal crack at mid-height, you need to call in a structural engineer. This can happen because there’s a lot of pressure from the earth outside the wall pushing against it, and this kind of stress crack can spell big trouble.

Diagonal Cracks

When your foundation tilts inward, you could see a diagonal crack beginning at the top of your basement wall and moving down toward a corner. Other diagonal cracks that appear elsewhere in the wall, especially those that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, can be a result of the foundation settling.

Do You Have Water Damage in Your Basement?

If you have water damage in your basement, we can help you. We provide water damage restoration services and mold remediation services in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities, so call us at 734-352-9183 or get in touch with us online today.