Foundation crack repair
Cracks are what most people notice first. The useful question is what's causing them and whether they're still moving.
Concrete shrinks as it cures, so a few hairline cracks in a slab or garage floor are normal and often show up within the first year or two. Cracks that matter are the ones that tell you part of the house is moving: they're wider at one end, they line up with other symptoms, or they open and close with the weather. On San Angelo's clay soils, seasonal movement is common, and cracks that come back after patching are a sign the cause hasn't been dealt with.
Which cracks deserve attention?
- Stair-step cracks in brick or block that follow the mortar joints
- Cracks wider than a credit card, or wider at the top than the bottom
- Cracks in the perimeter beam you can see from outside
- Drywall cracks at door corners that keep returning after repainting
- Cracks that line up with doors that stick or floors that slope
- Brick separating from window frames or the garage door opening
How are cracks repaired?
- Brick and mortar. Repointing with matching mortar, and sometimes replacing broken bricks.
- Exposed beam cracks. Sealing to keep water out, with epoxy or other products depending on the crack.
- Interior finishes. Drywall and tile repairs, done after any leveling so the work isn't undone by the lift.
Why wait to patch until the cause is fixed?
A sealed crack over a house that's still moving will reopen, often within a season. Fix the movement or the moisture problem first, give the house time to settle, then do the cosmetic work. Photos with dates and a ruler in the frame help a contractor tell whether a crack is growing.
What should an evaluation include?
- Floor elevation readings throughout the house
- A look at the outside beam, drainage and grading
- Notes on trees close to the foundation
- An explanation of which cracks are structural and which are cosmetic
Pricing comes from the contractor after they've shot floor elevations and figured out what's driving the movement. We don't quote prices, and no honest contractor can price a pier job over the phone without seeing the house.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is a hairline crack in my slab a problem?
Usually not on its own. Concrete shrinks as it cures. It's worth a closer look if it widens, if one side sits higher than the other, or if other signs show up nearby.
Can I fill cracks myself?
You can seal small cosmetic cracks, but if the house is still moving the crack will likely come back. It's better to understand the cause first.
Related services
More background: San Angelo foundation guide.
Doors binding, brick splitting or a floor that's out of level?
Call and get connected with a foundation contractor who works around San Angelo.