Cracks in Your Walls? Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Wall cracks are often the first visible symptom of foundation movement. We help you get to the root of the problem—and fix it properly.
What Do Wall Cracks Really Mean?
They’re not just cosmetic.
Cracks could be signs your home’s foundation is shifting.
Cracks in internal or external walls are among the most common signs that a home is experiencing structural movement. While some hairline cracks are harmless, others point to serious issues below the surface—like foundation subsidence or soil instability.
At Foundation Solutions, we assess and repair wall cracking caused by foundation movement. Using screw pile underpinning and precision-engineered lifting techniques, we address the actual cause of the problem—not just patch over the symptoms.
What Causes Cracks in Walls?
There are many reasons walls crack—but four causes account for most serious structural issues.
Reactive or Expansive Soils
Homes are designed to move based on the soil characteristics however when site conditions change over the life of the structure, behaviours change, influences change during the dwellings life this add to how a dwelling performs and if not maintain can lead to underpinning; as well as the influence of El Nina and El Nino
Foundation Settlement or Subsidence
When part of your foundation has experienced subsidence, it leads to settlement within the structure – think of an onion and or flower leading to signs such as stepped cracking, separation at windows,, it causes twisting and pulling forces on the walls above—leading to visible cracks, often diagonal or step-shaped.
Poor Drainage or Plumbing Leaks
Excess water from poor drainage can wash away or soften the soil supporting your foundation. Water being allowed to pool and pond over time causing saturation of the clays beneath the foundations and sometimes potential wash out this can lead to the undermining of the footing system over time.
Tree Roots Near the Home
Trees within the zone of influence will impact the way a home performs as the root system creates abnormal moisture conditions thus leading to settlement or other issues within the structure. This process is slow but can lead to significant cracking over time.
How We Fix Wall Cracks
— The Right Way
We stop the movement causing them.
Many wall cracks are patched or repainted without ever addressing the cause. And where action is taken by a homeowner to repair the foundation, sometimes certain repair methods don’t provide a permanent solution to the real problems. That’s why they keep coming back. Our approach is different:
- We start with an expert Home Checkup to assess whether the cracks are superficial or structural.
- If movement is confirmed, we recommend a forensic site inspection by an RPEQ with floor levels is undertaken in which we arrange to identify the cause and recommend a fix.
- If foundation repair is deemed necessary, we design and install screw pile underpinning to re-stabilise or re-level the home, removing the cause of ongoing movement.
- Only once the structure is stabilised do we suggest cosmetic repairs—because then, they’ll actually last.
If you’re seeing cracks in your walls and wondering what they mean, don’t guess. Let us help you understand what’s happening—and how to fix it properly.
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