Cracks in Brick Walls: Which Ones Are Serious (and Which Aren’t) for Nashville Homes

Are Cracks in Brick Walls Serious?

Some brick cracks are normal. Others require immediate attention.

• Hairline cracks in mortar joints are often cosmetic
• Stair-step cracks can indicate foundation movement
• Horizontal cracks are usually structural and urgent
• Cracks near doors, windows, or corners often signal settling
• Widening or spreading cracks should never be ignored

Because Nashville homes sit on clay-heavy soil that expands and contracts with moisture, brick cracking is more common here than many homeowners realize.

Why Brick Walls Crack So Often in Nashville

Brick itself is strong — but the forces acting on it are not always predictable. In Middle Tennessee, several local factors make cracking more likely.

Common Nashville-Specific Causes of Brick Cracks

Expansive clay soil

• Swells when wet
• Shrinks during dry spells
• Causes foundations to shift repeatedly

Freeze–thaw cycles

• Water enters small gaps
• Freezes and expands
• Forces bricks and mortar apart

Poor drainage or grading

• Water pooling near foundations
• Increased soil movement under walls

Older construction

• Many Nashville homes were built decades ago
• Mortar naturally weakens over time

Improper original construction

• Inadequate footings
• Incorrect mortar type
• Missing expansion joints

Types of Brick Cracks — and What They Mean

Not all cracks are created equal. The pattern, location, and direction of a crack often reveal the underlying issue.

Hairline Cracks in Mortar Joints

Usually minor — but worth monitoring

These thin cracks often appear as brick and mortar age.

Typically caused by:

• Natural settling
• Minor thermal expansion
• Aging mortar

When to worry:

• If they widen over time
• If moisture is entering
• If multiple cracks appear suddenly

These are often resolved with tuckpointing or sealing.

Stair-Step Cracks in Brick Walls

Often a sign of foundation movement

These cracks follow the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern.

Common causes in Nashville:

• Soil shifting under foundations
• Uneven settling
• Drainage issues near the home

Why they matter:

• They indicate movement, not just surface damage
• They tend to worsen without intervention

A masonry inspection is strongly recommended.

Horizontal Cracks in Brick Walls

Almost always structural — and urgent

Horizontal cracks are the most concerning type of brick damage.

Often caused by:

• Pressure from shifting soil
• Bowing or failing walls
• Excess moisture buildup

Do not ignore these.

They can signal impending wall failure if left untreated.

Call a professional mason immediately if you see horizontal cracking.

Vertical Cracks Near Doors and Windows

Common, but not always harmless

These cracks often form at stress points in the structure.

Potential causes:

• Settling around openings
• Lintels failing or rusting
• Foundation movement

Warning signs:

• Doors or windows sticking
• Cracks widening at the top or bottom

Early repair can prevent costly structural corrections later.

Cracks in Retaining Walls or Freestanding Brick Walls

Frequently structural

Because these walls resist soil pressure, cracking often indicates failure.

Watch for:

• Leaning or bulging walls
• Cracks combined with movement
• Separation at the base

Retaining wall cracks should be evaluated promptly.

How to Tell If a Brick Crack Is Getting Worse

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the crack wider than 1/8 inch?
• Has it grown longer over time?
• Are bricks separating or shifting?
• Is moisture entering the wall?
• Did the crack appear after heavy rain or freezing weather?

If the answer is yes to any of these, the issue likely goes beyond cosmetic damage.

Can Brick Cracks Be Repaired — or Do They Need to Be Rebuilt?

This depends entirely on the cause.

Minor Repairs May Include:

• Tuckpointing deteriorated mortar
• Sealing cracks to block moisture
• Replacing isolated damaged bricks

Major Repairs May Require:

• Structural brick repair
• Wall stabilization
• Partial or full wall rebuilds
• Addressing foundation or drainage issues

Repairing the crack without fixing the cause almost guarantees it will come back.

Why DIY Brick Crack Repairs Often Fail

Homeowners often try:

• Caulking cracks
• Patching with store-bought mortar
• Painting over damage

These solutions may look fine temporarily but usually fail because:

• The wall continues to move
• Moisture remains trapped
• Incorrect materials are used

Professional masonry repairs focus on why the crack formed — not just covering it up.

When to Call a Professional Mason in Nashville

You should schedule an inspection if:

• Cracks are widening or spreading
• Multiple cracks appear in different areas
• You see stair-step or horizontal cracking
• Walls appear to lean or bow
• Moisture is entering through cracks

Early inspections often save thousands by preventing major rebuilds.

Why Nashville Homeowners Choose Brick Mason Nashville

At Brick Mason Nashville, we specialize in identifying the real cause of brick cracking — not just the surface damage.

Our masonry inspections help homeowners:

• Understand which cracks are cosmetic vs structural
• Prevent recurring damage
• Protect property value
• Avoid unnecessary repairs

We work on residential and commercial brick walls throughout Nashville and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Cracks