Brick homes are admired for their strength and timeless look, but when cracks start forming in your brickwork, it’s often more than a cosmetic problem. Cracked bricks can be an early warning sign of foundation issues, moisture damage, or pressure from shifting soil around your home. They can also be a sign that your mortar is getting old.
At Jerry’s Waterproofing, we help homeowners in Nebraska and Iowa identify what’s causing the brick cracks and, if it is foundation-related, offer repair options that can solve the cause of the cracking.
Step 1: Inspect the Crack
Not all brick cracks have the same causes or same levels of severity. Here are some questions that can help determine if your crack is a serious problem.
- What direction is the crack running?
- Does the crack extend through the brick or stay along the mortar joint?
- How deep is the crack?
- Does the crack extend through multiple bricks?
- Is the crack wider at one end than the other?
- Is this an interior or exterior wall?
- Is it above ground or below ground?
For instance, cracks that only affect one brick are more likely to be a masonry issue than a structural one. If a brick is chipped and flaking, there is a good chance that this is caused by water infiltrating the brick. As the water freezes and thaws, this expansion and contraction can break the brick apart.
Similarly, if a crack follows a mortar joint and only affects the outer portion of the mortar, that is often simply a sign that your brickwork is aging or weathering. Mortar tends to not last as long as the bricks themselves, so the outer portion of the mortar that is exposed to the elements might need to be replaced.
For cracks that extend through the wall and affect multiple bricks or mortar joints, however, the key question is the first one, direction.
Vertical Cracks in Brick Walls
Vertical cracks, especially those that extend from the top to the bottom of the wall, are often caused by differential foundation settlement. This basically means that portions of your home has sunk a bit into the ground. This differential sinking places stress on the home, and that stress eventually leads to cracking.
Vertical cracks caused by settlement will generally pass through multiple bricks and be wider either at the top or bottom, depending upon which portion of the house is settling.
Horizontal Cracks
If you have a horizontal crack in your brick wall, the key question is No. 7 on the above list: Is the wall above ground or below?
If the crack is showing on the interior of a below-ground brick foundation wall (and extends across much of the wall), this could indicate a very serious problem. Horizontal cracks in these walls are often caused by inward pressure from either water or expanding clay soils. This problem, if left unchecked, could eventually cause the wall to collapse.
On above-ground walls, horizontal cracks can have several different causes. The most serious is probably overloading the wall. Others, however, include far less serious problems, such as thermal expansion, which can cause cracks if the wall’s control joints aren’t properly done. Shifting by the materials behind the brick wall can also cause horizontal cracks, as can the corrosion of steel lintels above windows or doors, which can expand as they rust and force the brick above them to crack.
Stair-Step or Diagonal Cracks
These cracks either run diagonally or follow the mortar line in a stair-step pattern. Much like vertical cracks, these are often a sign of differential settlement and the foundation problems that it causes.
In the case or stair-step cracks, the stress caused by settlement doesn’t usually crack the bricks themselves, but instead causes the mortar joints to separate in a stair-step pattern.
How to Repair Cracked Brick Walls
For the cracks themselves, you will likely need to contact a masonry professional. However, fixing the cracks themselves won’t solve the problem if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. That’s why it’s best to call a professional who can diagnose the root issue.
If that root issue is foundation settlement, you might need to have an underpinning system installed. This can both level your foundation and prevent it from sinking in the future. At Jerry’s Waterproofing, we offer two types of underpinning systems:
- Steel Push Piers: Installed deep into stable soil to lift and permanently stabilize your foundation.
- Helical Piers: Used for lighter structures or where soil conditions vary.
We use only the best in underpinning technology, because if the underpinning isn’t strong enough or extend deep enough to truly support your house, you will be dealing with the same problem again soon.
If you notice horizontal cracks in below-ground brick walls, there are several repair options.
- Carbon Fiber Straps: If the wall isn’t bowing inward much, applying carbon fiber straps on the interior of the wall can stabilize the wall, prevent further bowing and allow the crack repair to hold long-term.
- Helical Tiebacks or Wall Anchors: For cases where the wall has begun bowing more significantly, helical tiebacks and wall anchors can help straighten the wall while anchoring it in the soil to prevent further movement.
- Waterproofing and Drainage Solutions: While not fixing the wall, it can help avoid future damage if water is pooling near your foundation.
DIY repairs might make your walls look better temporarily, but without addressing the real cause, cracks will return—and the damage can worsen over time.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any of the following, contact Jerry’s Waterproofing right away:
- Cracks that are widening or spreading
- Cracks above doors or windows
- Stair-step cracks following mortar lines
- Bulging or bowing walls
- Water leaks or dampness near the cracks
Our experts can inspect your home, pinpoint the source of the problem, and recommend a lasting solution to keep your foundation strong and your brickwork stable.
Restore Your Brick Walls and Protect Your Home
Cracked bricks often aren’t just a surface flaw — they’re a symptom. Whether caused by moisture, foundation settlement, or soil pressure, Jerry’s Waterproofing can help you fix the problem for good.
Contact our team today for a professional inspection and restore confidence in the strength and stability of your home.