Foundation Cracks
Foundation Cracks: Don’t Dismiss What Your Home is Telling You
It often starts small: a thin line across your basement wall, a crack near a window, or a jagged path along the block. Foundation cracks might seem minor at first, but they’re rarely meaningless. They’re signs that your home is under stress, whether from shifting soil, water pressure, or structural settling, and the longer they’re left alone, the more that pressure builds.
At Force Basements, we help Central Illinois homeowners get clear answers and real solutions. From hairline cracks to wide stair-step fractures, we inspect and repair foundation cracks before they grow into something much worse.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Cracks form when stress exceeds the strength of your foundation materials. Common causes of foundation cracks include:
Hydrostatic pressure from wet or poorly drained soil
Foundation settlement due to unstable or compacting soil
Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles expanding and contracting concrete
Improper grading or water runoff near the foundation
Poor construction or weak footings
Tree roots or nearby excavation shifting the soil
Types of Foundation Cracks
Identifying the type of crack can help determine the severity and root cause:
Vertical cracks – typically caused by concrete shrinkage or minor settling; may allow water intrusion
Diagonal cracks – usually signal uneven settlement and require further evaluation
Horizontal cracks – often caused by lateral pressure and a red flag for structural movement
Stair-step cracks – common in block foundations and may indicate soil pressure or settlement
Cracks wider than 1/8 inch or growing over time – usually a sign of worsening conditions
How Force Basements Fixes Foundation Cracks
We offer tailored repair solutions based on the type, size, and cause of the crack. Options may include:
Epoxy or Polyurethane Injection – For sealing leaking or structural cracks
Carbon Fiber Reinforcement – For walls under pressure or showing early bowing
Exterior or Interior Waterproofing – To prevent future water entry
Push Piers or Helical Piers – If cracks are due to foundation settlement
Other Issues You Might Be Facing
FAQs About Foundation Cracks
Are all foundation cracks dangerous?
Not all — some are cosmetic. But cracks wider than 1/8 inch, horizontal cracks, or those that change over time should be professionally evaluated.
Can foundation cracks be repaired from the inside?
Yes — many cracks can be sealed from inside using injection methods, while others may require outside waterproofing or structural reinforcement.
How much does it cost to repair foundation cracks?
It depends on the size, location, and underlying cause. We provide free inspections to determine the best solution and exact pricing.
Don’t Wait — Fix Foundation Cracks Before They Get Worse
Ignoring foundation cracks could cost you thousands in structural repairs down the road. Force Basements provides expert inspection, diagnosis, and long-lasting repair solutions. Get started today with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Service Area
Force Basements proudly provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space services, concrete repair and egress window installation to homes and businesses in Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield, the Quad Cities, Decatur, Quincy, LaSalle/Peru and surrounding communities.