Expert: Dave Johnson - 6/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi...I have noticed some cracks in stair step fashion on the bricks on the back side of my home.  We have a 3 story (basement)brick home built in 1995.  I have not noticed any problems with doors or cracks anywhere in the house and believe me I have been looking!  Is this something I should watch or should I be worried?

ANSWER: hi tif,
i don't think its going to collapse, but I do think you should contact a mason or builder and have them look closely at this.
The crack are caused by movement, either settling or material shrinkage.
If the cracks just appeared, I wouldn't think it was shrinkage... that would have taken place years ago.

Good luck,
Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just another question...thanks for the answer, two of the cracks (above the garage) have been there for a while.  There's one crack starting at the roof (the top row of bricks are vertically placed beside each other around the house and then the rest below it are regularly placed).  I have no idea how long this crack has been there as it is at the top of the house and it's not where my natural line of sight follows.  If it isn't shrinkage, what is the difference between settling and foundation problems?  Are they one in the same or are they different?  Thanks again as this whole "crack" thing is really stressing me out.

ANSWER: Hi Again,
The cracks I'll bet, are over the garage door near the upper corners.
They are probably caused by less than adequate header support (the beam or beams over the door) Or, a problem with the foundation or frost wall.
I really think you need to ask a contractor to have a look, I wish I were there to see it. Again, I don't think there is any great immediate danger, but have it looked at anyway.
By the way, the vertically laid bricks are called a "soldier course"
and the regular are called "common bond"

Good luck,
Dave


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for all your information...what could be the cause of the crack at the top of the house?  our cement block foundation in the basement is visible in the garage and a little in the finished rec room.  I see no cracks.  We also have a drop ceiling that I was able to look on top of and also did not notice anything.  What will a contractor look for and where will they look?  Thanks again for all your answers!

Answer
Hi Again,
The brick veneer is attached to the framing/sheathing with brick ties, I imagine the framing dried after the bricks were laid and there was enough movement to make the breaks appear. If that is the case there is nothing to worry about and re-pointing the areas will do the trick.
A contractor would probably say the same thing, but being there is
better than guessing.....
Dave