Stair Step Cracks In Concrete Block Walls Repair

The gaps in the wall can run in different directions but one common crack is called a stair step where the crack follows the mortar at a diagonal spreading across many blocks.

Stair step cracks in concrete block walls repair.

Stair step cracks a stair step crack looks like a flight of stairs and runs in both vertical and horizontal directions across the wall. Diagonal foundation or wall cracks in concrete block or other cmu walls foundations diagnosis repair. A common location for a stair step crack to occur is at the corners of wall sections where there is a transition from the block wall s lead sections to the infill sections see figure 2. A stair step crack is a diagonal crack but since mortar is usually not as strong as concrete block or brick the crack migrates to the mortar joints as it zigzags along a path of least resistance.

To repair small cracks or holes in cinder block walls you can use concrete. Cracks in brick cmu and poured concrete walls that have a pattern to them can be indications of serious structural problems that can be expensive to cure. First clean any parts of the wall that you plan to repair so the cement or mortar adheres securely. Sometimes a stair step crack will mostly follow the mortar joints then take a short cut through a defective block or brick before returning to the.

Hose the wall down or scrub it with a washcloth then use a metal file to smooth out any rough edges. This chapter of the foundation crack bible discusses in detail the process of evaluating stair stepped or diagonal cracking and related signs of foundation movement or damage in concrete block walls. Sometimes when a concrete block foundation wall cracks in response to soil pressure or settlement the cracking occurs along mortar joints between individual blocks. While the sashco slab is a bit on the expensive end it s completely worth it.

If you notice a stair step crack think of it in the same terms you would a diagonal crack. In most cases you won t have to worry about the minor cracks that appear in your concrete block wall. The sashco slab sealant is one of the best concrete crack repair sealants you can buy. This is fixable in many cases but a professional should inspect it before you repair to ensure that the wall doesn t need to be rebuilt.

It delivers high quality concrete adhesion and keeps cracks sealed. These can run throughout the wall and form a stair step pattern. Stair step cracks in walls well trained and experienced home inspectors like michael del greco will accurately report any cracks that are found in brick cmu or poured concrete walls even if they do not look like they are going to fail. It doesn t allow moisture to seep through the crack which increases the lifespan of the concrete surface.

The continuous pattern usually follows the grout or cement.