Not all cracks are created equal. Some are cosmetic — a hairline crack in mortar that's been there for years and isn't going anywhere. Others are warning signs that something structural is happening underneath. Knowing the difference saves you money and stress.
We fix cracked brick, stone, and block walls across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. But before we repair anything, we figure out why the crack happened. Was it settlement? Freeze-thaw damage? Lateral pressure from soil? The repair only works if you fix the cause too.
Stair-step cracks in brick walls usually mean foundation settlement. Horizontal cracks in basement walls often mean soil pressure. Vertical cracks at corners can be thermal expansion. Each type needs a different approach, and getting it wrong means the crack comes right back.
Michigan's climate makes masonry crack repair especially important. Water gets into cracks, freezes, expands, and makes the crack bigger. One winter can turn a small crack into a serious structural problem. That's why we always tell people — fix cracks before winter, not after.
We handle crack repairs from simple mortar repointing to full structural reinforcement with steel bracing and epoxy injection. The scope depends on what's happening with your building. We'll give you an honest assessment — if a crack is cosmetic and stable, we'll tell you that too.
If you've noticed new or growing cracks in your brick, stone, or block walls, call (616) 612-1284 for an evaluation. We'll tell you what's going on and what it'll take to fix it properly.
