Cracked Brick: Causes, Repairs & When to Worry
Key Takeaways
Cracked bricks aren’t always a sign of foundation problems. Weather, moisture, and normal settling can also cause damage.
The direction and size of a crack can tell you a lot about what’s happening, with stair-step and horizontal cracks sometimes pointing to more serious issues.
Small cracks can often be repaired, while bricks more severely damaged or crumbling, might need to be replaced.
Keeping water away from your brickwork and staying on top of minor repairs can help prevent you from dealing with bigger problems down the road.
Noticing a cracked brick on the outside of your home can definitely be unsettling, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. The good news is that cracks in a brick house don’t always mean something serious is going on.
So, when should you be concerned? Let's go over the different types of brick cracks, what causes them, how to tell if they're serious, and what you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place. If you need brick masonry in the Salt Lake area, we can help! We serve the entire Wasatch Front, including Ogden, Herriman, Provo, and Salt Lake City.
Common Types of Brick Cracks
Not all cracks in brick masonry are the same. Some are small, cosmetic issues, while others can be signs of foundation movement or structural problems. The shape, size, and location of a crack can help you understand more of what’s causing it and how serious it might actually be. Here are the most common cracks to watch out for:
Stair-Step Cracks: These cracks follow the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern that is pretty easy to recognize. They’re often caused by uneven foundation settling or shifting and might be an indicator of some structural movement.
Vertical Cracks: Cracks that run straight up and down a brick wall can result from foundation movement, temperature changes, or naturally occurring settling. How serious they are depends on their width and whether they’re getting larger.
Horizontal Cracks: These cracks run sideways along brickwork or mortar joints. They can indicate pressure on the wall, moisture damage, or other structural issues, especially if the wall is bulging.
Diagonal Cracks: Cracks that run at an angle across bricks or mortar joints are generally associated with uneven settling or structural movement. They’re most often seen near doors or windows.
Hairline Cracks: These very thin cracks result from minor movement, temperature changes, or shrinkage. They’re more of a cosmetic issue but should still be monitored for changes.
Cracks Around Doors and Windows: Cracks near openings can develop from foundation movement, inadequate support above the opening, or stress concentrated around corners. If the cracks continue to get wider, they might end up needing professional masonry repair.
What Causes Cracks in Bricks
Brick is known for its durability, but that doesn't mean it’s totally immune to damage. Over time, your home naturally shifts and settles, putting stress on the brickwork. When that movement is excessive or happens unevenly, cracks can start to form. Foundation problems are one possible culprit, but they’re certainly not the only reason bricks crack.
Weather can also play a very big role, especially here in Utah. When moisture gets into bricks or mortar joints and freezes it expands, putting pressure on the surrounding masonry. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can weaken the brickwork over time, eventually causing it to crack. Extreme temperature changes can also cause bricks to expand and contract, creating even more stress.
Sometimes, the problem simply comes down to how the brickwork was originally installed. Poor-quality mortar, inadequate support, or missing expansion joints can all make brick walls more vulnerable to cracking. Water drainage issues can also cause problems by weakening the soil beneath a foundation or allowing moisture to build up inside the masonry. This is why figuring out what’s causing the cracks is just as important as repairing them.
When Should You Worry About Cracks in Brick Walls?
Not every little crack needs immediate attention, but there are some warning signs you don’t want to ignore. If you notice the cracks getting significantly wider, bricks pulling away from the wall, or new cracks appearing in multiple areas, it’s worth having someone take a closer look.
Stair-step cracks, large horizontal cracks, and bulging brickwork can also be red flags. A masonry contractor can assess the brickwork, but a structural engineer would be best to consult with if foundational movement is suspected.
Fixing Cracks in Brick Walls
The best way to fix cracks in a brick wall depends on how much damage there is and what’s causing it. Before attempting to patch anything, it’s important to make sure the wall is stable and the cracks aren’ t getting worse.
Here are some common brick crack repair methods to consider:
Filling minor cracks: Small, nonstructural cracks can often be repaired using masonry crack filler, brick repair mortar, or a flexible exterior masonry sealant. These materials help seal gaps and prevent moisture from getting inside.
Repointing mortar joints: If the cracks are in the mortar rather than the bricks themselves, removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar can help restore the joints.
Replacing damaged bricks: Bricks that are severely cracked, loose, or crumbling might need to be removed and replaced with matching bricks.
Addressing structural problems: Larger cracks that are caused by foundation movement or other serious structural issues may require bringing in a professional to repair or restore the brickwork.
The important thing is to target and fix whatever the underlying problem actually is, not just cover up the cracks. Otherwise, there’s a good chance the damage will come back.
Keep Your Brickwork in Good Shape
Your home's brickwork is built to last, but that doesn't mean it won't need a little attention along the way. Knowing what to look for and taking care of problems early can save you from much more expensive issues later on.
If you're in the Salt Lake City area and have questions about brick repair or other masonry projects on your to-do list, reach out to our experienced team at S & R Custom Masonry. We'd be happy to walk you through your options and help you figure out the best way forward.
FAQs
Are cracked bricks always caused by shifting foundations?
No, cracked bricks can also be caused by moisture damage, temperature changes, poor installation, or natural settling. In Utah, freeze-thaw cycles are another common cause of cracks in brick masonry.
How can you prevent brick walls from cracking?
Keep water away from your brickwork by maintaining gutters, proper drainage, and mortar joints. Regular inspections and timely repairs can also help prevent cracks from getting worse.
How can you tell if a cracked brick is serious?
Hairline cracks are generally just a cosmetic issue, but large, widening, or stair-step cracks might indicate more severe structural problems. Bulging brick walls or shifting bricks are also signs that you should contact a masonry professional.
Can cracked bricks be repaired, or do they need to be replaced?
Minor brick cracks can often be repaired just by using masonry-compatible materials. However, severely cracked, loose, or crumbling bricks may need to be replaced to restore the wall's integrity and appearance.
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