3 Types of Basement Wall Cracks And How They Impact Your Home Grand Rapids, MI
The appearance of one or more cracks on the walls of your basement can be frightening. You may suppose that your whole house needs to be repaired or reconstructed. But before you fret and take a drastic action, you need to know that different types of basement wall cracks mean different things.
Some cracks mean notable structural damage and need to be inspected and repaired urgently by a certified basement repair company. Others just denote concrete shrinkage and are therefore not a reason to worry. Here are three types of basement wall cracks and what they denote. 
- Vertical cracks
Vertical cracks will typically be positioned vertically on the walls of your basement. In some cases, they may slant slightly (to an angle of about 30 degrees). These cracks normally occur because of the shrinking of concrete as it cures. Hence, they are also referred to as shrinkage cracks.
Because vertical cracks are usually associated with the shrinking of concrete, you don’t really have to worry about them. However, you need to be concerned if you see vertical basement wall cracks that are expanding beyond 3 mm or about 1/8 inch. If vertical cracks become larger, you should call a professional basement repair technician to inspect them and advise you appropriately.
- Diagonal Cracks
The appearance of diagonal cracks on your basement walls is a sign of a bigger problem in comparison to vertical cracks. Diagonal cracks can be at angle of between 30 and 75 degrees and may be wide or narrow. Narrow diagonal cracks are also called hairline cracks.
The cause of diagonal cracking is usually a non-uniform settling of the foundation. If one section of your foundation settles or sinks more than the other, vertical cracks are likely form on the basement wall. A high moisture content in the soil that surrounds the foundation and basement walls can also cause the basement walls to crack diagonally.
It is important to let an expert inspect and repair any diagonal cracks on your basement walls. 
- Horizontal cracks
The appearance of horizontal cracks on your basement’s walls should be a major cause for concern. This is because horizontal basement wall cracks are an indication of notable structural issues in the foundation. One of the key concerns is foundation and basement wall bowing, which can occur as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that surrounds the foundation.
You need to call a specialist if you see horizontal cracks on your basement walls because repairing these cracks is more complicated and will take more resources.
Contact the Professionals at Everdry Waterproofing of Greater Grand Rapids Today! (800) 275-7910
Rob VanSuilichem
Serving Michigan homeowners for over 32 years, Everdry is one of the Nation’s largest and most experienced waterproofer.
Locally owned, operated and staffed, Everdry professionals take a personal one-on-one approach in educating homeowners so they truly understand all their options for creating a safe, dry, healthy and usable space in their basements.
What Sets Us Apart
- Unbeatable quality due to the experience of the owners and staff.
- Unbeatable value due to the efficiency and expertise of more than 32 years of experience.
- Unbeatable value due to the purchasing power of being one of the largest waterproofers in the nation.
- Unbeatable service due to the fact that EverDry is a locally owned and operated company.
Credentials Include:
- Members of the Home Builders Association
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The aforementioned memberships are important because we benefit from the constant exchange of information and knowledge. We are updated on everything from installation techniques, to customer service improvements. You benefit in the knowledge that these third party inspection agencies require us to meet stringent requirements to remain members in good standing.
Better Business Bureau
We have been nominated and won the prestigious Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics many times, Chosen as a W.Mich.BBB Torch finalist in 2014 & 2015, Won the Torch Award for Ethics in 2016, Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2019 and was also chosen as a Western Michigan BBB Torch finalist in 2019. Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2023 and Finalist for the Western Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2020 & 2021!
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To create raving fans of our customers and employees through frequent contact, constant training, a commitment to excellence and unlimited opportunity.