Spotting a crack in your brick wall can be concerning—but not every crack is cause for panic. Sometimes, cracks occur simply due to natural settling or minor environmental shifts. However, in other cases, cracked bricks could be a warning sign of serious foundation issues that require prompt attention. So how can you tell the difference?

While it’s not always easy to know if a crack points to foundation damage, there are several key indicators that, when combined with brick cracks, strongly suggest it’s time to call a foundation repair specialist.

1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings

If your foundation is settling unevenly, it doesn’t just affect the brick exterior—it causes movement throughout the entire structure. One of the first places this will show up is inside your home.

• Look for diagonal or horizontal cracks running across your drywall.
• Check the corners of doors and windows where stress often shows first.
• Inspect your basement or first floor, as early foundation shifts often appear low in the structure.

Even hairline cracks on interior surfaces, when paired with cracked bricks outside, could be a red flag.

2. Gaps Between Walls and the Floor or Ceiling

If you start to notice gaps forming where the walls meet the floor or ceiling, it’s a strong sign of differential settlement. This means your foundation is sinking or shifting unevenly, causing the walls to pull away.

• Keep an eye on these gaps—if they start to widen over time, it’s likely a structural issue.
• Use a tape measure to track any changes every few weeks.

This is especially concerning when seen along with vertical or stair-step cracks in brick walls.

3. Sloping or Uneven Floors

A subtle but powerful clue lies under your feet. A sloping floor often indicates a problem with the foundation underneath.

• Try the marble test: Place a marble on the floor and see if it rolls on its own.
• If you notice your furniture leaning or feeling slightly off balance, that’s another clue.

Cracks in bricks paired with uneven floors could mean the foundation beneath is settling or shifting.

4. Sticking Windows and Doors

Windows and doors that used to open smoothly but now stick, jam, or don’t close properly can be a sign that the frame around them is warping due to foundation movement.

• Check if doors rub against the frame or if you have to lift them slightly to latch.
• Windows that no longer open all the way or that scrape along the sill are also suspect.

If these issues are happening in the same area where you see brick cracks, it’s time to investigate further.

5. Leaning or Cracked Chimney

Your chimney is a separate vertical structure and is often more vulnerable to foundation shifts. If it starts to:

• Pull away from the house
• Show visible cracks
• Lean at an angle

… it could be a major indicator that your home’s foundation is settling unevenly underneath it. Chimney movement is one of the clearest signs that you’re dealing with structural problems.

6. Leaning or Cracked Porches and Steps

Like chimneys, porches and concrete steps are extensions of your home that can be affected by shifting soil and foundation issues.

• Cracks where the porch meets the house
• Visible separation or leaning
• Large cracks forming in the surface or around the edges

These problems often occur alongside cracked bricks and should not be ignored.

7. Bowed Walls

One of the more serious warning signs is inward-bowing walls, especially in the basement. This typically happens when hydrostatic pressure from wet soil outside your foundation pushes the walls inward.

• Look for walls that curve or bulge inward.
• This may be accompanied by horizontal cracks in the brick or block walls.

Bowed walls are a structural red flag and require immediate professional attention.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Foundation Issues?

If you’re seeing one or more of the above signs—especially in combination with brick cracking—don’t wait. Early intervention can save you thousands in repair costs and help you avoid more serious damage.

Here’s what to do:

• Document the damage with photos and measurements.
• Monitor any changes over time (cracks widening, gaps growing, etc.).
• Call a foundation repair professional for an inspection.

Even if the issue turns out to be minor, it’s worth getting peace of mind and catching problems early.

Not all brick cracks are created equal. While some are simply cosmetic, others can be a clear sign of deeper structural problems. If your cracked bricks are accompanied by sticking doors, sloping floors, wall gaps, or bowed walls, it’s time to take a closer look.

When in doubt, always consult a professional—because when it comes to your home’s foundation, it’s better to be safe than sorry.