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.
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
Track pattern before assuming cause
Record when the symptom first appeared, whether it changes after rain or dry weather, and whether it is isolated or repeated elsewhere. Photograph the same view over time with a ruler or fixed reference.
One cosmetic condition may not require structural work. A widening pattern, water entry, loss of function, or several related symptoms gives an inspector more reason to investigate the underlying system.
Questions that narrow the cause
- What evidence supports settlement under one part of the home?
- What evidence supports expansive clay soil movement?
- What evidence supports drainage pushing water toward the foundation?
What to keep
- dated wide and close photos
- room and exterior locations
- weather or leak timing
- prior repair records
- measurements and written findings
Research and verification resources
These public resources support property research and contractor verification. They do not diagnose a specific home.
- USDA NRCS Web Soil SurveyOfficial soil survey data used to understand why conditions can vary from one property to another.
- Alabama Home Builders Licensure BoardState consumer guidance for checking licensing, insurance, references, and contracts before hiring.
- FEMA Flood Map Service CenterOfficial flood-hazard maps for address-level research; a map is not a substitute for a site inspection.