If you’ve ever stepped outside after a rainstorm and noticed a crack in your foundation, you’re not alone. For homeowners across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, foundation cracks are a common issue, especially in older homes or those built on clay-heavy soil. While some cracks might seem harmless at first, they often signal deeper problems that can grow worse over time.
Not every crack means your home is in danger, but understanding the difference is important. Thin hairline cracks are often cosmetic, but they can still let in moisture.
- Vertical cracks may come from natural settling, though they still need monitoring.
- Horizontal cracks are more concerning, they’re usually caused by water pressure in the soil, also known as hydrostatic pressure foundation wall stress.
- Cracks that follow a stair-step pattern in brick or block foundations are another red flag, often tied to shifting or uneven ground beneath the home.
If any crack is wide, leaking, or growing, it’s time to schedule a foundation inspection.
The soil in our region plays a big role. After a heavy rain, moisture builds up in the ground and presses against your foundation. This pressure can cause bowing basement walls, visible cracking, or water seepage. Homes with poor drainage, grading issues, or aging construction materials are even more at risk. These problems don’t just stay underground, they show up inside, too. When doors stick, windows won’t close properly, or floors feel uneven, it could be a sign your foundation is shifting.
Putting off repairs often leads to larger, more expensive issues. What starts as a small crack can turn into mold in the basement or crawl space, structural damage to your home’s framing, or lower property value. Timely repairs can protect your investment and prevent long-term damage.
At KCS Foundation and Waterproofing, we specialize in identifying and solving these issues before they escalate. With over 85 years of combined experience, we’ve worked on homes across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Our pier system foundation support can stabilize homes affected by shifting soil, and our wall stabilization systems are built to correct bowing or leaning walls. If water is part of the problem, we install full waterproofing solutions, including sump pump installation and moisture barriers. We also repair and encapsulate crawl spaces to reduce humidity and support sagging floors, common concerns in older homes.
Because our team is local, we’re familiar with how homes here are built and how the region’s weather affects them. That allows us to offer solutions tailored to your specific home and location. We also offer lifetime transferable warranties and free, no-pressure inspections, so you’ll never feel rushed into a decision.
If you’ve noticed cracks, musty smells, or uneven flooring, don’t wait. These signs can worsen quickly and may lead to serious problems down the road. Let KCS take a look and help you protect your home.
Call us today or schedule your free foundation inspection.
FAQ: Foundation Cracks – What Else Should Homeowners Know?
- Foundation cracks can be affected by seasonal weather, especially winter. When water freezes inside small cracks, it expands, making them worse. This is a common issue in our area where temperatures often drop below freezing.
- Many cracks aren’t visible from the outside. They can start inside basement walls or under finished flooring, so it’s smart to check both the interior and exterior of your home. If you’re not sure where to look, a professional inspection can help identify hidden issues.
- Insurance rarely covers cracks caused by settling or drainage. However, if damage comes from something like a plumbing leak or natural disaster, there may be partial coverage. It’s a good idea to speak with your insurance company to clarify your policy.
- If you’re unsure whether a crack is getting worse, you can mark both ends with a pencil and check it weekly. If the line grows longer or wider, it’s likely time to bring in a foundation repair expert.
- Believe it or not, landscaping can make a difference. Slope your yard away from your home, keep gutters clear, and extend downspouts to keep water from pooling near the foundation. Even small changes in your yard can help prevent pressure from building up in the soil.