Inspect Foundation for Cracks
Why It Matters
Foundation problems get exponentially more expensive the longer you wait. A $500 repair today prevents a $15,000 repair next year.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Flashlight, Tape measure. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the inspect foundation for cracks
Walk around the exterior foundation and check the basement walls for new cracks, efflorescence, or water stains.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If any crack wider than 1/4 inch, horizontal cracks, or stair-step cracks in brick, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Flashlight
- Tape measure
Community Tips
Horizontal cracks wider than 1/8 inch or cracks that leak water indicate structural movement and warrant professional evaluation, while hairline cracks (under 1/16 inch) can be monitored with a photograph and remeasured annually to track progression. Marking crack endpoints with tape and dating them establishes a baseline for determining if the foundation is actively settling or remaining stable.
A Bosch GLM 50-27 Laser Measure ($90-120) eliminates human error when documenting crack length and depth compared to tape measures, and produces timestamped measurements that serve as legal documentation if foundation issues later affect home resale value. The digital record integrates directly into home maintenance apps for long-term tracking.
Diagonal cracks running at 45-degree angles or cracks that widen noticeably at the top indicate potential foundation settling or hydrostatic pressure from groundwater, and continuing inspection without addressing drainage around the perimeter can result in costly structural repairs exceeding $10,000. Never apply cosmetic sealants like Flex Seal ($12-18) to active foundation cracks, as this masks deterioration and prevents proper diagnosis. ---