Wall Cracks
Wall Cracks Can Be a Sign of More Serious Foundation Problems
How serious are your wall cracks? Some cracks aren’t a major concern, but others can be an indication of foundation problems. At Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services, we can inspect your wall cracks to determine if it is an indication of foundation problems. Over time, homes start to settle and cause small cracks. Gaping and horizontal cracks are serious signs that indicate foundation failure.
Understanding the Causes of Wall Cracks
Wall cracks are a common issue for homeowners in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and while some are harmless, others can signal deeper foundation problems. Many wall cracks develop when the foundation begins to settle or shift—placing uneven pressure on basement walls and interior framing. As the soil beneath your home moves, dries, or becomes saturated, it can cause portions of the foundation to sink or shift, resulting in cracks that widen over time.
Common causes include:
- Foundation settlement, which places stress on basement and interior walls
- Soil movement beneath the foundation, caused by moisture changes or poor compaction
- Hydrostatic pressure, pushing against foundation walls and causing cracking
- Aging or deteriorating foundation materials, making walls more vulnerable to stress
- Structural shifting, resulting in horizontal, stair-step, or gaping cracks
Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services can determine what’s causing your wall cracks and recommend the most effective repair method. We provide detailed, no-obligation wall crack inspections and repair estimates in the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Bethel Park areas.
Solutions for Wall Crack Repair
Underpinning to Stabilize Foundation Settlement
Vertical and diagonal wall cracks are commonly caused by foundation settlement or heaving. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services installs ECP helical piers and push piers to stabilize and lift the foundation, reducing stress on cracked walls and preventing additional movement. Underpinning solutions help:
- Support settled sections of the foundation
- Prevent cracks from widening or spreading
- Restore structural stability to affected areas
- Reduce long-term stress on basement walls
Wall Anchors for Horizontal Cracks & Inward Wall Movement
Horizontal cracks typically indicate lateral soil pressure pushing against the foundation. Matthews installs wall anchors to stabilize and straighten bowing or leaning walls. Wall anchors help:
- Counteract lateral soil pressure
- Pull bowed walls back toward their original position
- Reinforce compromised foundation walls
- Provide long-term, reliable stabilization
Drainage Improvements to Prevent Future Wall Cracks
Poor drainage contributes to soil expansion, hydrostatic pressure, and water intrusion—major factors in wall cracking. Matthews Wall Anchor can address drainage issues to protect your foundation long-term. Drainage solutions may include:
- Exterior or interior waterproofing
- Downspout and gutter corrections
- Foundation drainage improvements
- Basement drainage system installation
Related Services
Foundation Repair
Moisture problems in a crawl space can signal deeper foundation issues such as settlement, sagging floors, or wall movement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services provides professional foundation stabilization using helical piers, push piers, wall anchors, and structural supports to protect your home from long-term damage.
Crawl Space Repair
From sagging floors and rotted joists to failing support posts and moisture-damaged structures, our crawl space repair solutions address the underlying problems that contribute to mold growth. We reinforce, stabilize, and restore your crawl space to ensure structural integrity and a healthier environment throughout your home.
Waterproofing Solutions
Excess moisture is the root cause of most crawl space mold and mildew. Our interior and exterior waterproofing systems, sump pumps, drainage solutions, and vapor barriers work together to redirect water away from your home, reduce humidity, and create a dry, healthy environment under your house.
Hydroblox Residential Drainage Systems
Hydroblox panels provide high-efficiency drainage without the clogging issues of traditional pipe systems. Installed around crawl spaces or problem moisture areas, Hydroblox moves water quickly and consistently—helping keep your crawl space dry and preventing mold and mildew from returning.
Request a Free Estimate
Get a free, no-obligation inspection from Matthews Wall Anchor—trusted specialists in foundation repair, waterproofing, and structural stability.
