Key takeaways
- Stair-step cracks follow the mortar joints
- Rusted lintels and settling are common causes
- Watch whether the crack grows
- Fix the cause, then the brick
What they look like
A stair-step crack follows the mortar joints in a diagonal pattern, like steps. It often starts at the corner of a window or door, or at the base of a wall.
Hairline cracks can be minor, while wide cracks, cracks that grow or cracks with bulging brick deserve a closer look.
Likely causes
Rusting steel lintels expand and push the brick upward, cracking it at the corners of openings. Foundation settling or movement can pull walls apart. Thermal movement and missing control joints can also crack long walls.
Water makes most of these causes worse, so drainage and flashing are part of the answer.
What to do
Mark the ends of the crack with a pencil and date, and check it over a few months. A crack that grows needs attention. A mason can tell you whether it is a lintel or a mortar issue, and we are honest when a structural engineer should look at it.
Fixing the cause comes first, then repointing or rebuilding the damaged brick.
Related services
Quick answers
Are all brick cracks serious?
No. Many are cosmetic. A crack that is wide, growing, uneven or paired with sticking doors and windows calls for a closer look by a mason or an engineer.
Can cracked brick be repaired without finding the cause?
It can, but the crack will likely return. Finding the cause is the surest way to stop it.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.