Reading the Cracks
West Texas homeowners see a lot of cracks, and most aren't emergencies. Here's the honest field guide we use:
- Hairline shrinkage cracks in a slab or in mortar — thin, random, not growing. Normal concrete behavior; monitor, don't panic.
- Stair-step cracks in brick following the mortar joints — the classic Midland signature of differential settlement. Worth measuring.
- Diagonal drywall cracks from door and window corners — the frame is racking because the foundation below moved. Usually paired with sticking doors.
- Wide, growing, or offset cracks — anything past about 1/4", widening over months, or with one side higher than the other. Call promptly.
- Horizontal cracks in a stem wall or grade beam — the most serious category. Get eyes on it fast.
Fix the Cause, Then the Crack
Filling a structural crack without stopping the movement is like painting over a leak. Our approach runs in order:
- Diagnose — an elevation survey tells us whether the crack is active settlement, old movement that's finished, or simple shrinkage.
- Stabilize — if the foundation is still moving, piers or drainage correction stop it first.
- Repair — cracks are then routed and sealed with structural epoxy or polyurethane, brick is repointed, and cosmetic surfaces are ready for finish work.
That order is why our crack repairs last. It's also why we'll sometimes tell you a crack needs nothing but a tube of sealant and a photo every six months — free advice is part of the free inspection.