Cracked Bricks
Cracks in exterior bricks are a sign of uneven foundation settling and can lead to more serious structural problems if left unchecked.
Locally owned & operatedCracked Bricks is one of the clearest signs Central Texas homeowners notice when a foundation is on the move. In Central Texas, the cause is usually one of two things: expansive Blackland clay swelling and shrinking under the home with every wet-dry cycle, or the moisture and drainage conditions that come with it. The specific pattern and location of what you're seeing is what tells us which one it is.
Watch for these signs it's more than cosmetic
Stair-step cracks following mortar joints
The classic diagonal stair-step pattern is the most reliable indicator of differential settlement. The direction and taper identify the settling corner.
Cracks at building corners
Vertical or diagonal cracks at exterior corners indicate shear between the two walls meeting there.
Multiple cracks in one zone
Isolated cracks may be thermal. When several appear within the same section of exterior, foundation movement beneath is the likely cause.
What causes this problem?
Not every instance is foundation-related, but in Central Texas, it usually is. Here's what we rule in or out on inspection.
Foundation settlement beneath the cracked section
Differential settlement racks the wood frame diagonally, pulling the attached veneer into the same geometry.
Veneer tie failure
Metal ties connect brick to the frame. If they corrode or were poorly spaced, the veneer can crack on its own as it separates from the backing.
Thermal expansion and contraction
Brick expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Long runs without expansion joints can crack vertically at corners or regular intervals.
Check your address for soil and flood risk factors
See the USDA soil data and FEMA flood zone for your exact Austin area parcel. No email required.
How QFR addresses this
Why Central Texas foundations move
Austin's expansive Blackland clay shrinks in dry summers and swells after rain, cycling in volume with every wet-dry season. Homes built directly on this clay across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties face ongoing movement pressure, and that movement shows up in different places depending on the home. We diagnose the pattern before we recommend anything.
"Brick doesn't lie. The pattern of cracks in a veneer tells us almost exactly what the foundation did before we ever walk inside."
The difference is in the diagnosis
Get several quotes and you'll see a wide range of prices. The gap isn't luck, it's whether the contractor finds the actual cause and stands behind the work.
Frequently asked questions
What causes cracks in exterior brick walls?
Uneven foundation settlement putting stress on the masonry.
Can I ignore small cracks in brick walls?
A free inspection can tell you whether it's cosmetic or a sign of active movement.
Other signs to watch for
Get your free estimate
Tell us what you're seeing. An Austin specialist will reach out to schedule your on-site inspection, usually within one business day.
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