Cracked Or Sinking Foundation Walls
Expert Diagnosis and Long-Term Solutions for Foundation Cracks and Settlement
Evaluating Cracked Foundation Walls
Foundation wall cracks can cause worry and alarm to us as homeowners. Many wall cracks are the result of normal settling and don't require serious repair, while some cracks are a sign of issues that need to be addressed.
We are trained to evaluate wall cracks and determine if corrective action is needed, prescribe the correct course of action, and get the work done in a timely manner.
Helical Pier
Deep Foundations
If foundation wall support is needed, helical piers are our preferred method of support. Helical piers are large screw piles that we drive 20+ feet into the ground, and use them to support your home's foundation going forward.
These steel piers are designed to hold 50,000 pounds each, and come with a 25 year material warranty. This is the surest way to support your home and prevent further settling.
Cracked Or Bowing
Basement Walls
If your basement walls are cracked, settling, or pushing inward, we can assist in evaluating them and recommending any needed repairs.
Over time, water from the ground pushes against basement walls and can cause damage, which may get worse of they are not supported properly. We can evaluate your basement walls, and prescribe the correct repair to prevent further damage.
Leaning Chimney Repairs
A leaning chimney is often the first visible sign of foundation settlement. At Patriot Crawl Space & Foundation, we permanently stabilize and straighten chimneys using helical tie-backs, mini-piles, or full underpinning with our in-house structural engineer’s oversight.
Repairs are completed in 1-2 days with minimal disruption, restoring both safety and curb appeal. If your chimney is pulling away from the house or showing stair-step cracks, we provide a fast, engineer-backed solution that protects your home’s value for decades.
Sinking Porch Repairs
A sinking or settling front porch, stoop, or steps is a common issue in Hampton Roads homes, caused by soil washout or poor compaction under the slab or footings. Patriot Crawl Space & Foundation fixes it permanently with helical piers, slab piers, or polyurethane injection — lifting and stabilizing the porch back to level with minimal excavation.
Most repairs are completed in 1–2 days, include an engineer review when needed, and come with a transferable warranty. Whether the bricks are pulling away or the steps have dropped several inches, we restore safety and curb appeal without the mess of total replacement.
Foundation Repair Details
Why Foundation Walls Crack Or Settle
Foundation wall cracks typically form when the soil beneath or around the home shifts or loses support. In Virginia, this often happens due to changes in moisture content in the soil, poor drainage, or long-term settlement. When the soil expands, contracts, or erodes, the foundation wall is forced to absorb stress it was never designed to handle. Over time, this stress can cause cracking, separation, or sinking in portions of the foundation. In crawl space and basement foundations, moisture intrusion and inadequate support are the most common contributors to these issues.
Common Types Of Foundation Cracks
Not all foundation cracks indicate a serious structural problem, but some do require repair. Vertical cracks are often associated with normal settling and may only require monitoring or sealing. Stair-step cracks in block foundations can signal differential movement or settlement. Horizontal cracks and inward wall movement are more concerning and may indicate lateral pressure from saturated soil or poor drainage. Cracks that widen over time, allow water intrusion, or are accompanied by uneven floors or sticking doors should always be evaluated by a qualified contractor.
Signs Your Foundation May Be Shifting
Homeowners often notice interior symptoms before realizing there is a foundation issue. These can include doors or windows that stick, floors that slope or feel uneven, cracks in drywall near openings, or gaps forming between walls and ceilings. Outside the home, you may notice cracks in the foundation wall, separation at corners, or areas where the foundation appears to be settling unevenly. These signs suggest that the foundation is moving and should be inspected before the problem worsens.
How We Repair Damaged Foundations
Foundation repair always starts with identifying the cause of the movement. In some cases, cracks can be repaired once the underlying issue—such as drainage or moisture—is corrected. When settlement has occurred, the foundation must be stabilized using properly engineered repair methods. This may include reinforcing foundation walls, rebuilding or supporting crawl space foundation elements, or installing deep support systems to transfer the load of the home to stable soil. Our approach focuses on long-term stability rather than cosmetic patching.
Why Foundation Issues Are Common In Virginia
Virginia homes are especially vulnerable to foundation issues due to high groundwater levels, clay-heavy soils, and frequent moisture fluctuations. Many older homes were built with minimal drainage systems and foundations that were not designed for modern moisture conditions. Crawl space homes are particularly susceptible because moisture accumulation below the home can weaken supporting soils and structural components. These regional factors make foundation cracks and settlement one of the most common structural concerns we inspect.
Do All Foundation Cracks Need Repair?
No. Many foundation cracks are cosmetic and do not affect the structural integrity of the home. The purpose of a professional inspection is to determine whether a crack is the result of normal settling or a sign of ongoing movement. We focus on identifying active structural issues and recommending repairs only when necessary. This approach helps homeowners avoid unnecessary work while ensuring serious problems are addressed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foundation cracks dangerous?
Some cracks are harmless, while others indicate structural movement. Cracks that widen, allow water intrusion, or coincide with floor movement should be evaluated.
Can foundation cracks get worse over time?
Yes. If the underlying cause of the movement is not corrected, cracks can expand and lead to further structural damage.
Will foundation repair disrupt my home?
Most repairs are performed from the crawl space or exterior of the home, minimizing disruption inside.
How long does foundation repair take?
Project timelines vary, but most residential foundation repairs are completed within 1-3 days once work begins.
Related Structural Services
Foundation issues are often connected to other structural concerns. Structural floor repair, crawl space structural support, moisture control, drainage improvements, and crawl space encapsulation are frequently combined with foundation repairs to create a complete and permanent solution.
