Foundation Wall Cracks, Part 2: Cracks That Might Need Attention
In the previous post, we looked at cracks that can look scary but usually aren’t a big deal.
Now we’ll explore a few less common situations that might need attention — depending on what’s causing them.
Tree Roots
Out of the thousands of inspections I’ve conducted, only a handful showed cracks caused by tree roots. Still, I’m often asked:
“Should I remove all the plants next to my house to prevent root damage?”
It’s a fair question. The truth is, the right types of shrubs and small trees can actually help by absorbing water that would otherwise rest against your foundation. Since the soil next to a home is typically loose and holds moisture, plants nearby can help pull some of that excess water away.
But large trees are another story. Certain species have aggressive roots that seek out moisture and can expand right against a foundation wall. When that happens, the root can apply enough pressure to crack or bulge the wall, usually forming vertical cracks with visible inward movement. These cracks tend to look ragged rather than straight or smooth.
Should I Be Concerned?
If left alone, roots pressing on the wall can cause serious damage over time. Removing the tree (and grinding the stump) usually stops the problem — the roots decay naturally.
If the wall already cracked, have a qualified foundation professional inspect it to confirm the wall hasn’t shifted. Often, once the tree is gone, you’ve solved the root of your problem. 😏 *
Recommended reading:
*This joke was reviewed and awarded a 4 out of 5 Cringe Rating by the ADJ (Association of Dad Jokes).
Mortar Missing Between Bricks
Sometimes homeowners call about “cracks in the brick,” but what’s actually happening is missing mortar. This is most common in older homes, where years of weather exposure or poor drainage have allowed mortar to deteriorate and crumble out of the joints.
In modern homes, the brick veneer is just a weather barrier and doesn’t carry structural load. But in structural brick homes (often pre-1940s), those exterior bricks do bear the load of the home. In that case, missing mortar means the structure isn’t fully supported between bricks.
Is It Dangerous?
If the bricks themselves are still tight and you don’t see other symptoms — no bulging walls, no gaps around windows, and doors still square — you likely caught it early. Have a qualified mason repoint the brick (replace the missing mortar) to restore full strength and improve that load path.
In structural brick homes, this counts as a structural repair, not just cosmetic maintenance. Staying on top of mortar maintenance can prevent far more expensive issues later.
Fixtures or Concrete Slabs Against the Home
A patio or porch slab against the side of your home is great for grilling, relaxing, or adding curb appeal — but it also adds a lot of weight next to your foundation. Heavy slabs or porches can settle toward the house and press against the wall, creating horizontal cracks near the same height as the patio or porch outside.
Is This Going to Require a Huge Repair?
Not necessarily. The main issue is the pressure from the settled slab or porch, not the wall itself. Modern foam-injection lifting systems can raise and stabilize settled concrete with amazing precision. I’ve personally seen foam lift a 36-inch-thick railroad crossing slab over four inches — and it’s still holding up to freight trains years later. Installing foam under the slab to support it and ideally lift/level it will reduce or eliminate that pressure on the foundation wall.
Depending on how it’s built, a porch can sometimes be lifted with foam too, though many require helical piers for long-term stability. (They’re effective but pricey — sometimes it’s more cost-efficient to rebuild the porch than to engineer and pier it.)
Fix the Cause, Not Just the Symptom
Reinforcing the inside of a wall with steel beams, carbon fiber straps, or earth anchors can stabilize it — but that won’t relieve the external pressure. If you don’t correct the source (the settling slab or porch), the outside face of the wall could still crack, letting in water or causing structural issues you can’t see.
If the settlement was caused by grading or drainage issues, call your trusted landscaper. Correcting surface water flow can help prevent future settlement or wall movement.
Key Takeaway
Some cracks might need attention, but that doesn’t mean disaster.
Roots, missing mortar, or heavy slabs pressing on the wall can all cause cracking — and each has a targeted fix. The key is knowing which problem you’re actually looking at before spending a dime on repairs.
If you’re in Central Virginia and unsure whether your cracks are harmless or worth investigating, schedule an unbiased inspection with Integrity Foundation Inspections. I’ll help you separate myth from movement — no upselling, just straight answers.
Schedule an Inspection → Click Here to Book
Coming Next: Cracks That Often Indicate Active Movement
In Part 3, we’ll look at the cracks that most often point to real structural movement — from stair-step cracking to leaning walls — and what you can do about them before the problem worsens.
