different types of Foundation Cracks in a home

Foundation Repair

June 9, 2021

Cracks in your foundation are never a good sign – but did you know that how your foundation cracks – vertically or horizontally – can tell you more about the cause and severity of the issue?

Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Foundation Cracks

As we said above, vertical, horizontal, and even diagonal cracks in your foundation can indicate differences in the cause of the crack, also leading house foundation repair contractors in Kansas City to decide on the right solution for the job.

Here’s what you need to know about the differences between your home’s vertical and horizontal foundation cracks.

Vertical Foundation Cracks

If you notice that the crack in your foundation is vertical, know that this is the least harmful and concerning of the types of cracks that your house foundation can experience. Vertical foundation cracks in a home are typically caused by the interaction of concrete with the pressure from the weight of the house and its foundation. This is quite normal in fact, as concrete is very strong under compression, but typically cracks under tension.

While a vertical crack doesn’t typically mean that there’s a major concern about the structural integrity of your home, it often does lead to seepage and moisture in your basement – occurrences that can lead to health concerns if left unfixed. Luckily, the solution is fairly simple and permanent for a professional foundation repair company.

Horizontal Cracks

If you notice horizontal cracks in your foundation, it’s time to call professional foundation repair contractors in Kansas City. Simply put, horizontal foundation cracks indicate that the foundation wall is bowing from the pressure from above and surrounding it.

These types of cracks most often occur in concrete block and brick foundations, though this outcome can be seen in poured concrete house foundations as well. Because a home’s foundation is laid with earth (dirt and gravel) surrounding it, pressure can begin to mount. If this earth is not properly done, improper drainage or over-compression can occur. Then the excessive pressure against the foundation wall causes it to bow inwards and creates that telltale horizontal crack.

Techniques for fixing horizontal cracks:

Reinforcing the foundation to avoid further bowing of the concrete, either through the use of strapping, posts or braces.
Pulling the foundation wall back out so it no longer bows. This technique utilizes an anchor system to pull and keep the foundation in its proper place.

A bowing foundation can be very serious and damaging to your home, affecting the safety and health of your family, but also decreasing the value and resale of your home in the future.

Diagonal Cracks

If you notice diagonal cracks in your foundation, it was likely caused by uneven settling of your Kansas City home’s foundation, which can happen regardless of the age of your home. This type of inconsistent settling is caused by a shift in the ground conditions under the foundation footings, shifts that are varied under that same foundation.

Luckily, this fix is less serious than a horizontal crack, but these foundation cracks take a little more time and materials to repair than a vertical one.

Waiting on a Foundation Repair Could Cost You

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely noticed something abnormal about your house foundation, and you’re wondering if you really need to get it fixed right away. Sometimes, you may want to see if the crack begins to get wider or longer, putting off calling a foundation repair contractor in Kansas City.

But waiting to fix a foundational issue in your Kansas City home such as a foundation crack can quickly turn into a much more costly bill to repair much bigger issues down the road. One small decision to have your foundation cracks repaired by a trusted foundation repair contractor can ensure your investment in your Kansas City home (and your wallet) is protected for the long term.

Trusted Foundation Repair Contractors in Kansas City

Finding the right foundation repair contractors for the job in Kansas City can be yet another reason you keep putting off fixing structural issues with your home – we’re here to make it simple!

KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair offers a team of highly trained and experienced foundation repair contractors to help you assess and repair the foundation cracks in your home – regardless of whether they are vertical or horizontal, small or large.

Your Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair experts in Johnson County, Kansas including Prairie Village, Leawood, Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa and more!

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15 Preventative Maintenance Tips For Your Foundation

This Preventative Maintenance Guide shows you the top 15 causes of foundation problems. Download now to protect your home, add value, and prevent damage to your home’s foundation.

Satisfied Customer Reviews

Blaise G.

Jeff Wolfe was excellent providing a thorough inspection, informing us about the company history, the technology and strategies utilized and our options. I would highly recommend Jeff and KC waterproofing!

Richard D.

First class in every way. Very friendly and accommodating. They do things the right way even if it takes much more time to get the project done. Their job of putting things back the way it was, was spectacular! They even replanted the flowers they had to dig up.

Samson T.

Great company and extremely easy to work with. Riley was my point of contact and he explained everything very well. After I denied working with them on one property (due to family issues) Riley happily messaged me back when I needed help with another property. The solution was a hard one to figure out, but Riley constantly made suggestions that would hopefully solve the issue without doing too much work that isn’t needed. Riley clearly explained what I needed and don’t and also gave guidance for other issues I had going on regarding window sealing.

Schylur Oakes and his crew were the ones that came and worked on my property. Schylur was extremely personable and friendly. He constantly ran back and forth from the back of the house (where the work was being done) to the front of the house to ring my doorbell and ask me if I was okay with what they were doing, if I wanted them to change anything etc. One moment he even came and asked if I really need the work to be done since there were sprinklers near my basement window and maybe that was the issue instead, not foundation and rain water. I clarified that I don’t even use my sprinklers and I still have water entering but I was glad he even brought it up and checked with me before proceeding. Schylur ended the day by having his crew clean up after themselves and showed me around and told me everything they did.

Only issue I had was payment processing was a pain. It’s 2026, I shouldn’t have to give my card number over the phone for a deposit, just send me a link to a secure site to enter it. How can I trust some random number and voice over the phone? Then for the final payment, having to manually type out and input my card information in to a tablet while it was raining was a slight nuisance. I have my own small business and use Square tap to pay. It’s not that expensive. Come on guys, if I’m using it for my little business, you can afford it for your long standing company. Just my 2 cents.

Matt F.

Camden came and did a thorough inspection of our foundation and explained the findings well. I felt he was honest with his recommendations and did not try to convince us to do something that wasn't necessary.
Will use KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair again and highly recommend.
Thank you Cam!

ML48 P.

Very professional, informative and did a great job cleaning up after the job.

Myron T.

Jeff was very professional and informative. Fortunately we didn't have foundation problems but if we do we know who to call.

Ann O.

Mario was here on time & was very informative about questions I had. A 10 out of 10. Thank you …Mario

Ana W.

This is the second time I've used this company. Great company. They have good employees. Fran did a great job of explaining everything, even the financing. I thought the lending company had great options. When it was time for my French drains to be installed. They came on time and ready. They even did a crawl space protective cover. Great team, they worked well together. Took the whole day but got it all done. Cleaned up well afterwards. The price was reasonable. Jackson explained everything as it went along. Kind, friendly service.

Michael K.

Mario serviced my sump pump today and did a good job. He also replaced tape on my wall shield. He provided excellent customer service and was willing ti come out any time needed or said to call him anytime if I had any questions.

Katlyn E.

KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair has taken incredible care of my home through multiple visits. Gary and Davan handled my initial sump pump installation and crack repairs, and they were not only skilled but genuinely thoughtful throughout the process. We had a bit of early miscommunication, and instead of brushing it aside, they listened, acknowledged what happened, and adjusted the plan so everything aligned with what I needed.

They brought me in at every step—walking me through pump location options, explaining the exit pipe decisions, and making sure I felt confident about the work being done. Their friendliness and respect made a stressful repair feel manageable.

Later on, I had some cracks that needed to be reassessed, and Mario came out to take a look. He was incredibly kind, patient, and thorough, and he did an amazing job with the additional repairs. His calm, reassuring approach made me feel completely taken care of.

I also want to highlight Don, the manager, who is just as kind and committed to making sure customers feel heard and supported. It’s clear this team truly values doing right by people.

I’m grateful for their care and would absolutely recommend them for any foundation repair or waterproofing needs.