When Exterior Cracks Become a Concern

Next steps (at a glance)

If you only do 3 things:

  1. Identify where the crack is and whether it’s changing.

  2. Watch for movement, widening, or water entry.

  3. Address drainage and moisture before fixing the crack itself.

Urgency level: Low → Medium
(Becomes High if cracks widen quickly, allow water in, or appear alongside structural movement.)

Short answer

Most exterior cracks are cosmetic at first. Cracks become a real concern when they grow, shift, leak water, or signal movement underneath.

The crack isn’t the problem — what’s causing it is.

Why exterior cracks matter

Exterior cracks can:

  • Let water into walls or foundations

  • Allow freeze-thaw damage

  • Indicate soil movement or settling

  • Lead to interior moisture or structural stress

Ignoring cracks doesn’t stop progression — it hides it.

Common places exterior cracks appear

  • Foundation walls

  • Masonry or brick surfaces

  • Stucco or siding seams

  • Driveways and walkways

  • Steps and porch slabs

Location often matters more than size.

Types of exterior cracks (and what they usually mean)

Hairline surface cracks

  • Very thin, shallow

  • Common in concrete and stucco

  • Often cosmetic

Usually low concern if stable.

Vertical cracks

  • Often caused by normal settling

  • Common in foundations

  • Monitor for widening

Stable vertical cracks are often manageable.

Horizontal cracks

  • Often linked to pressure from soil or moisture

  • More concerning, especially in foundations

These deserve closer attention.

Stair-step cracks (brick or block)

  • Follow mortar lines

  • Often indicate movement

Movement patterns matter more than appearance.

What makes a crack a real concern

Cracks deserve attention if they:

  • Widen over time

  • Allow water inside

  • Appear suddenly

  • Run horizontally through foundation walls

  • Coincide with sticking doors or sloping floors

Change + moisture = higher urgency.

What crack progression usually looks like

Early stage

  • Small, dry cracks

  • No movement

Progressing

  • Widening gaps

  • Moisture intrusion

  • New cracks nearby

Advanced

  • Interior damage

  • Structural stress

  • Costly repairs

Catching cracks early keeps fixes simple.

DIY-safe checks you can do

These checks are safe for homeowners:

  • Measure crack width and recheck over time

  • Mark crack ends with pencil and date

  • Watch cracks after heavy rain

  • Check nearby drainage and grading

Do not chip, grind, or widen cracks unnecessarily.

Maintenance that actually helps

  • Control water near the foundation

  • Keep gutters and downspouts working

  • Address soil erosion early

  • Seal small, stable cracks

Water control matters more than patch material.

If you don’t want to call a professional yet but want to stay safe

Prioritize:

  • Monitoring movement

  • Stopping water intrusion

  • Fixing drainage first

Many cracks can be safely monitored before repair.

Common mistakes

  • Sealing cracks without fixing drainage

  • Ignoring widening or shifting

  • Treating horizontal cracks as cosmetic

  • Waiting until interior damage appears

Cosmetic fixes don’t stop structural causes.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed professional if:

  • Cracks widen noticeably

  • Water enters through cracks

  • Cracks are horizontal or stair-step

  • Doors, windows, or floors shift

What to ask:

  • Whether cracks are cosmetic or structural

  • Root cause (water, soil, settling)

  • Monitoring vs repair options

What to expect:
Professionals assess movement and moisture first. Many fixes focus on drainage, not reconstruction.

Related guides

Disclaimer:
This is general information only. When in doubt, hire a licensed professional.