Weathered Cracks in Your Foundation? Here’s What You Need to Know
Discovering cracks in your foundation—whether hairline or wide, isolated or spreading—can be alarming. And rightfully so. Cracks may be a warning sign of underlying structural stress, settlement, or water intrusion. Left unaddressed, they often progress into costly repairs and safety concerns.
The first step? Don’t ignore it, and don’t settle for generic explanations like “normal settlement.” Let’s clear that up.
Is Settlement Normal?
You’ll often hear the phrase “normal settlement”—especially in real estate transactions. Let’s be clear:
There is no such thing as “normal settlement.”
That’s not a shot at realtors—it’s just the truth. This term is often used to downplay foundation movement, but structurally speaking, a home is not designed to sink, settle, or shift after construction.
If any minor settling were to occur, it should happen within the first 12 months of construction, as the structure adapts to initial soil compaction and load. Beyond that point, continued or sudden movement is no longer settlement—it’s a symptom of changing soil conditions, drainage problems, or foundation failure.
So if you’re seeing cracks—no matter how small—they deserve attention.
What Are Weathered Cracks?
A weathered crack is an older foundation crack that has been exposed to outdoor elements (wind, rain, dirt) over time. These cracks often appear dark, dirty, or worn, collecting debris and staining from the surrounding environment.
In contrast, new cracks look clean and sharp—often revealing untouched concrete or masonry that resembles a fresh block from Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Recognizing whether you’re dealing with old cracks vs. new cracking helps identify whether the foundation movement is:
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Historical and stabilized
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Ongoing and worsening
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Sudden and possibly hazardous
At Foundation Masters, LLC, our engineers know how to distinguish between surface imperfections and signs of deeper structural failure.
What to Do if You Discover Cracks
If you’ve found weathered cracks, especially in slab foundations, block walls, or stem walls, don’t guess—and don’t rely on “wait and see.” These cracks could be:
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Water pathways leading to interior moisture
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Symptoms of expansive soils or poor compaction
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Indicators of slab drop, heaving, or corner breaks
The longer a crack is left exposed, the greater the risk of efflorescence, spalling, or steel rebar corrosion inside your foundation.
Florida’s Trusted Foundation Experts
At Foundation Masters, LLC, we’ve spent over 22 years correcting settlement-related damage, weathered cracks, and structural deficiencies across Florida. From forensic inspections to engineered repair plans, we offer real answers—not excuses.
📞 Call us today for your expert evaluation 813-614-1718
📍 Serving Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Sarasota, and all of Florida
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