{"id":4854,"date":"2024-08-13T12:11:29","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T16:11:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/?p=4854"},"modified":"2025-09-25T13:24:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T17:24:27","slug":"types-of-foundation-cracks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/en\/blog\/types-of-foundation-cracks\/","title":{"rendered":"The 4 Types of Foundation Cracks You Should Know About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the Montreal region, building foundations can develop different types of cracks due to our climate, soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and sometimes construction issues. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the most common types of cracks and what to look out for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Shrinkage Cracks<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What they look like:<\/strong> These are usually thin cracks that show up as the concrete cures and dries. They’re often harmless and not structurally serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why they happen:<\/strong> Usually caused by temperature changes or poor moisture control during construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Frost Heave Cracks (Freeze-Thaw Cracks)<\/strong><\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What they look like:<\/strong> You\u2019ll often see these around foundation walls or beside basement stairwells and garage entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why they happen:<\/strong> If the foundation isn\u2019t deep enough\u2014below 4 feet 6 inches\u2014prolonged deep freezing can cause the soil to expand and lift the foundation, which leads to cracks<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Structural Cracks (Settlement Cracks)<\/strong><\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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What they look like:<\/strong> These cracks tend to be wider, vertical or diagonal, and usually show up in load-bearing walls or the foundation itself. They might come with issues like windows or doors sticking or not closing properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why they happen:<\/strong> Soil shifting or settling<\/mark><\/a> under the foundation, unstable ground, heavy loads on the structure, or long dry spells. Urban development and large trees near the home can also dry out the soil, making things worse.
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4. Cracks from Poor Construction<\/strong><\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What they look like:<\/strong> These can be thin or wide, and usually come from mistakes made during the build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why they happen:<\/strong> Poor design, cheap materials, bad soil prep or compaction, or sloppy workmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Spot a Problem<\/mark><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n