Definition
Fractures in your home's structural elements including foundation, walls, and masonry. Not all cracks indicate serious problems—severity ranges from cosmetic to serious structural concerns.
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Not all cracks indicate serious problems. Hairline cracks (less than 1/8 inch) in drywall often result from normal settling and temperature changes. Vertical cracks in foundation are generally less concerning than horizontal cracks, which may indicate water pressure or structural stress. Diagonal cracks at 45-degree angles suggest settlement or movement. Inspectors document crack location, direction, width, and pattern to assess severity.
Pro Tip
Take photos of cracks and monitor them over time. If new cracks develop rapidly, have a structural engineer evaluate.
Example
An inspector in Arizona documented 12 different cracks in a home's foundation. Most were small vertical cracks less than 1/16 inch wide and over 30 years old with no fresh paint disturbing them, indicating inactive settlement. One horizontal crack 1/4 inch wide with recent paint disturbance warranted further investigation and possible waterproofing.