Horizontal Wall Cracks? What’s Really Occurring

Horizontal wall cracks can be just as dangerous as stair-stepping or vertical cracks. These horizontal cracks usually mean that your wall is failing because expansive soils are pressing against your foundation wall. Without proper care, horizontal cracks will widen over time and eventually the wall will completely fail. 

Here are some images of horizontal crack damage.

What Causes Horizontal Wall Cracks?

Expansive soil is the culprit behind horizontal wall cracks. Clay-rich soils around your home will expand and contract as they become wet or dry out. When the clay soil is wet, it can expand enough to put extreme pressure on your foundation walls. The walls will be forced inwards and buckle or crack. In addition to horizontal cracks, you may also notice that the walls are tilting at the top or pushing in at the bottom of the wall.

If you let this damage go unchecked for too long, the wall cannot be repaired. However, an expert can repair your failing walls in as little as a day!

Can Horizontal Cracks Lead to Basement Water Leaks?

Yes, horizontal cracks in walls can absolutely lead to basement water leaks. While not every crack results in active seepage, a horizontal crack in a wall is often a warning sign of pressure buildup, structural movement, or moisture intrusion behind the foundation. As the wall weakens, groundwater can find pathways through gaps, joints, or bowing sections and enter your basement.

This is why homeowners researching what causes horizontal cracks in walls often shift quickly to concerns about leaks and waterproofing. Structural repair and waterproofing work hand-in-hand: stabilizing the wall prevents further movement, and adding interior drains, exterior grading fixes, or a sump pump system stops water from finding its way through weakened areas.

Combining both solutions ensures your wall is reinforced and your basement stays dry.

Repairing Horizontal Wall Cracks

AquaGuard uses wall anchors to correct cracked or bowing walls. These anchors can permanently stabilize your failing wall and eventually work on straightening the walls back to their original position. The reach deep into the soil outside your foundation walls to counteract the pressure caused by expansive soil.

Sometimes access to the soil beyond your foundation isn’t accessible. If that’s the case, the PowerBrace Wall Repair System or the Carbon Fiber Wall Stabilization System can be installed to stabilize the foundation wall. The PowerBrace System, for example, can be tightened over time to help your foundation walls stand straight once more.

If you’re looking for contracting experts in Atlanta, Athens, Rome, Marietta, or surrounding areas, look no further than AquaGuard Foundation Solutions. We are the premier foundation repair and waterproofing professionals!

Resources

Everything Georgia Needs to Know About Wall Anchors

Wall anchors are the best solution to stabilize your home’s walls. Learn how the repair is minimally invasive and can restore both the structural integrity of your home and your peace of mind.

Foundation Crack Repair: The Ultimate Guide

Foundation cracks can cause uneven floors and water intrusion. Learn how to identify and repair them with effective foundation repair solutions.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Foundation Repair

In this guide, we'll look at the various methods of modern foundation repair, highlighting why it's a strategic investment in the longevity of your home.