What homeowners notice
- cracks following mortar joints
- gaps near windows or doors
- brick separating at corners
Symptom
Stair-step cracks in brick
A stair-step crack through mortar joints can point to differential movement, especially when it widens or appears near corners.
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Quick answer
Stair-step cracks in brick
A stair-step crack through mortar joints can point to differential movement, especially when it widens or appears near corners.
- cracks following mortar joints
- gaps near windows or doors
- brick separating at corners
Possible causes
- settlement under one part of the home
- expansive clay soil movement
- drainage pushing water toward the foundation
When to take it seriously
Note whether the symptom is new, widening, back after repair, paired with water, or showing up in more than one part of the home.
One cosmetic issue may not need structural repair. Several symptoms together should be checked.
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