Cracks in the Wall: A Symptom or a Structural Nightmare?

Rectify
November 5, 2023

Hey there, homeowner—or should I say, home detective? Because if you’re here, you’re likely investigating those mysterious cracks in your walls. You’re wondering, “Is this just a cosmetic hiccup, or is my house about to crumble?” Good question. And you’re in the right place to find the answer. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of wall cracks: what they mean, when to worry, and how to fix ’em. Ready? Let’s crack on!

The Anatomy of a Wall Crack

Alright, let’s get forensic. Not all cracks are created equal. In fact, the type of crack can be a big, flashing neon sign pointing to what’s really going on. So, let’s break it down:

  1. Hairline Cracks: These are your garden-variety cracks. Thin, superficial, and usually nothing to lose sleep over.
  1. Horizontal Cracks: Now, these are a bit more concerning. They often appear in basements and could be a sign of pressure against the wall.
  1. Vertical Cracks: These usually run from the top to the bottom of the wall and can occur as your home settles. Keep an eye on them, but don’t panic just yet.
  1. Diagonal Cracks: Ah, the plot thickens. These cracks can indicate a range of issues, from simple settling to more serious foundation problems.

By understanding the “anatomy” of your wall crack, you’re one step closer to diagnosing the issue. It’s like reading the tea leaves of your home’s health.

The Innocuous Culprits

So, you’ve got cracks. But before you start imagining worst-case scenarios, let’s talk about the usual suspects that are often harmless:

  • Temperature Fluctuations: Your home is a living, breathing thing. It expands and contracts with temperature changes. So, a crack might just be your home’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s hot out!”
  • Humidity: Ever notice how your hair frizzes up when it’s humid? Well, your walls can react to moisture in the air, too. A little humidity can lead to a little cracking. No biggie.
  • Settling Down: Every home settles over time. It’s like the honeymoon phase ending in a relationship. A few cracks might appear, but it’s usually nothing to break up over.

See? Not every crack is a cry for help. Sometimes, it’s just your home adjusting to the ebbs and flows of life.

The Ominous Signs

Alright, let’s shift gears. Not all cracks are innocent. Some are like that unsettling music in a thriller movie—a sign that something’s amiss. If your crack is widening over time, or if it’s as wide as your fingernail, it’s time to pay attention. Depth matters, too. 

A superficial crack is often just that—superficial. But a deep crack? That’s like a plot twist you didn’t see coming. And let’s not forget water damage. If you see dampness around a crack, it’s like your wall is crying out for help.

The Underlying Structural Issues

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. Sometimes a crack isn’t just a crack; it’s a symptom of a bigger, more menacing issue. Think of it as the tip of the iceberg. Foundation problems are the silent killer here. If your home is sinking or shifting, those cracks are your early warning system. Soil stabilisation is another key player. 

Unstable soil can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation, turning a small crack into a gaping hole. And don’t underestimate external pressures. A tree root pushing against your wall or water accumulating against your foundation can turn a small issue into a full-blown crisis.

DIY vs Professional Assessment

Okay, so you’ve spotted a crack and you’re armed with some knowledge. The question now is, can you handle this yourself or is it time to call in the cavalry? Look, a hairline crack might just need a little spackle and paint. But if you’re dealing with something deeper, wider, or just plain mysterious, it’s time to pick up the phone. DIY has its limits. You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself, would you? Similarly, some cracks need a professional diagnosis. Timely intervention can be the difference between a quick fix and a costly repair.

The Cost Factor

Let’s talk money, because let’s face it, that’s often the elephant in the room. You might be tempted to ignore a crack, thinking, “Ah, it’s too expensive to fix.” But here’s the kicker: ignoring it could cost you even more in the long run.

Think of it this way: a small investment now could save you a fortune later. It’s like buying insurance for your home’s structural integrity. And when it comes to cost-effective, high-quality solutions, Resin injection underpinning is where it’s at.

Why? Because this isn’t just a patch-up job. It’s a long-term solution. Our Resin injection underpinning services tackle the root cause of the problem, stabilising your foundation and giving you peace of mind. It’s like hiring a personal trainer for your home—someone who’ll get it into tip-top shape and keep it that way.

So, don’t let cost deter you. With our competitive pricing and top-notch service, you’re not just fixing a crack; you’re making an investment in your home’s future.

Quality Assurance and Peace of Mind

You’ve got enough on your plate without worrying about the quality of repairs, right? That’s why it’s crucial to choose a service that not only fixes the problem but also stands by its work. Enter our 10-year warranty. Yes, you read that right. A decade of peace of mind, knowing that the structural integrity of your home is in safe hands.

But it’s not just about the warranty; it’s about expertise. Our team of qualified structural engineers and technicians bring a level of skill that’s hard to match. When you choose our Resin injection underpinning services, you’re not just getting a quick fix; you’re getting a solution backed by science, experience, and a commitment to excellence.

So there you have it. Cracks in the wall can range from a cosmetic hiccup to a structural nightmare. But with the right knowledge and the right team on your side, you can turn that nightmare into nothing more than a bad dream. Don’t just live with the cracks; understand them, assess them, and most importantly, fix them. Your home, your sanctuary, deserves nothing less.

Amelia Martin

Rectify Editorial Lead
Amelia Martin's expertise in structural engineering is matched only by her eloquence in writing about it. With numerous successful projects under her belt, she's a respected voice in the industry. When not advocating for building longevity, Amelia enjoys hosting backyard barbecues, playing the didgeridoo, and mastering the art of Australian Rules Football.

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yue yang
yue yang
00:41 12 Sep 24
well job professional team and reasonable price
christa robnik
christa robnik
03:57 04 Sep 24
A professional, knowledgeable, excellently organised crew who completed a complicated job underpinning our restoration of a Federation home project - I would highly recommend Rectify for any engineering subsidence issues . 10/10 Thank you
Ian Y
Ian Y
02:47 02 Sep 24
Rectify will be your best choice if your property has any cracks need to be fixed. Josh came to quote our job on this windy day. He explained anything after checking the level. Really impressed with his knowledge and honesty. I will keep monitoring the cracks on my walls and garage floor. I will definitely get this guy back if they get worse. But for now it seems OK. Thanks Josh again!!
Alex Li
Alex Li
01:51 23 Aug 24
Booked inspection and assessment with Rectify. The inspector was very very professional and gave me very detailed advices. I'm satisfied with the service.
Darren Carney
Darren Carney
23:22 09 Aug 24
I engaged this company to fix a problem with a slightly leaning chimney.From first discussion on phone to site Visit quote and works done I found them to be very professional and knowledgeable.The guys who completed the work fixed the problem and were experienced in what they do explaining the process as they went along.Well done.Darren/ Gippsland
Ahmet Seker
Ahmet Seker
06:44 17 Jul 24
naz d
naz d
23:06 14 Jul 24
Booked my job with Sam from rectify . He was very professional , attentive and very accommodating. Knowing the urgency of my job as I was selling it , he was able to attend to job asap. Highly recommend Sam and rectify . Great work
Alan Prothero
Alan Prothero
10:20 02 Jul 24
The team turned up on time and carried out the work efficiently. Although my cracked render didn't close up totally, I'm happy in the knowledge that the ground is underpinned. When I get the cracks repaired, they are unlikely to crack again. Thanks again, guys.
Michael Kilpatrick
Michael Kilpatrick
01:38 27 Jun 24
Rectify were very professional to deal with and completed the job on time and on budget.All the employees I dealt with were also very friendly and easy to get on with.For the first time in years, my front door frame is rectangular and I can open and close my front windows.
Hala Sharkas
Hala Sharkas
23:50 14 Jun 24
I cannot recommend this company enough, they were absolutely incredible! From my first meeting with Phil I felt assured that he knew exactly what he was talking about and he made the stressful situation we were going through so much easier. We then had Sam come out and he was fantastic and again put us at ease so it was a no drainer that we would be going with them. The team that came and completed the job were again so amazing, professional and friendly. They left the house so clean and made sure to inform me of what was happening every step of the way. Thank you to the Rectify team for an amazing experience from start to finish.
Brentan Amadori
Brentan Amadori
23:47 14 Jun 24
Amazing team and service! I am so happy with how everything went for my house lift!Everyone was patient with my questions, knew exactly what they were doing, kept us in the loop, and the whole experience just filled me with confidence.I spent alot of time researching companies for this type of work andI highly, highly recommend them.There are alot of cowboys out there and these guys are the definition of professional, from start to finish.Thanks again!
Robert Walkley
Robert Walkley
06:53 19 Apr 24
Rectify was really prompt with their service, did a great job explaining the details of the problem, the work involved, and the process to correct it. The resin injection process is very precise and can be targetted with great accuracy. The work itself didn't take long at all and the turn around time was great; having the work done about a week after agreeing to the quote. Highly recommend.
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