Over 90% of homeowners will discover foundation cracks at some point. As a real estate professional who has inspected countless homes, I can tell you—finding a crack in the foundation doesn’t always mean disaster. If you’ve found a foundation crack when looking to buy a house, understanding when to be concerned and what steps to take can save you stress, time, and money.
Foundation cracks emerge for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor settling to serious structural problems. Here are the most common causes:
Not all cracks require immediate action. Here’s how to distinguish between harmless and warning sign cracks.
✅ Hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch)
✅ Single vertical cracks
✅ Small shrinkage cracks (common in newer homes as concrete cures)
⚠ Cracks wider than 1/10 inch – Especially if growing
⚠ Horizontal cracks – Can indicate foundation bowing
⚠ Stair-step cracks in brickwork – A possible sign of foundation movement
⚠ Multiple vertical cracks close together – Could mean settlement issues
⚠ Cracks widening at one end – Suggests shifting or sinking
⚠ Diagonal cracks – Especially concerning if appearing on basement walls
Here’s a simple reference table you can screenshot and take with you to home visits:
| Crack Type | Category | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline cracks (< 1/8 inch) | Minor (Harmless) | Normal shrinkage or curing in concrete |
| Single vertical crack | Minor (Harmless) | Settling from construction or soil pressure |
| Small shrinkage cracks (new homes) | Minor (Harmless) | Common during concrete curing process |
| Cracks wider than 1/10 inch | Serious (Warning) | May indicate ongoing foundation movement |
| Horizontal cracks | Serious (Warning) | Potential foundation bowing or lateral pressure |
| Stair-step cracks in brickwork | Serious (Warning) | Possible sign of shifting or settling foundation |
| Multiple vertical cracks close together | Serious (Warning) | Could signal differential settlement issues |
| Cracks wider at one end | Serious (Warning) | Suggests uneven settling or foundation shifting |
| Diagonal cracks on basement walls | Serious (Warning) | Often linked to structural movement or water pressure buildup |
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to get an expert opinion:
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos and measurements of cracks every few months. This allows you to track any changes over time.
The best way to protect your home’s foundation is proper water management. Here are some key steps:
Foundation crack repair costs vary depending on severity:
📍 Related: The Biggest Red Flags in Home Inspections
If you have questions about how to find your next home, or want an expert’s opinion on market conditions in Quebec, reach out today!
📞 Call Peter Thompson: (438) 500-8344
📩 Email: peter@peterthompson.ca
Peter Thompson is a Quebec real estate expert specializing in helping homeowners and homebuyers navigate complex market conditions. Contact him today to schedule your personalized Real Estate Roadmap session – all part of our VIP Homebuying Experience.
🔗 More Resources:
Peter graduated from Lasalle College in hospitality and spent 13 years managing the infamous Chateau du Lac, where he built a reputation for leadership and forming genuine, trusting relationships.
Peter’s real estate career is built on a foundation of honesty, trust, and tireless effort. He takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure his clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey. He regularly provides timeline market insights on his local service areas of Saint-Lazare, Hudson, Vaudreuil, and Rigaud, but has expanded to service clients across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and West Island regions.
Outside of work, Peter’s world revolves around his wife and two young boys, who inspire him every day. A die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan, Peter never misses a chance to cheer on the Habs or crack a dad joke to keep everyone smiling.
This is #AskPete. If you have any real estate questions, feel free to send them and I will get you the answers. Or stay up to date on the latest tips for real estate buyers and sellers by clicking the YouTube button below:
