1909 Masonic Foundation

Jan Parker
by Jan Parker
We are buying a home and a contractor and structural engineer are ok with stair step cracks in the foundation. They feel it still has integrity. However, one recommends to fill the cracks and another doesn't. Should I fill the cracks or let them be. It's amazing to me, that they don't find a problem with cracks in the foundation. Please help. Thanks.

  5 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 31, 2017

    If you have had advice where the experts don't agree - Go with your Gut feeling.

    I know I would want to fill them and feel happier that the foundation were Firm and Sound. Perhaps you should use the problem to give you a bit of bargaining power, and allow you to get it fixed .

  • Dol28027586 Dol28027586 on Aug 31, 2017

    My handy husband said he would fill them. Could prevent further cracking,

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Aug 31, 2017

    if engineers are unconcerned with the cracks then it could just be that the house has settled a bit, creating the cracks. You could fill them for piece of mind or for asthetics, but it doesn't sound necessary at this point

  • William William on Aug 31, 2017

    I would be concerned! I would fill the cracks and see if they return. Their "ok" may be wrong.

  • Revive Revive on Sep 01, 2017

    If the foundation has stair step cracks, then I am thinking it is constructed of cinder blocks and not poured concrete. Cement block foundations have a life of approximately 50 years before concerns of leaking will be realized. My son purchased a house with a block foundation (which had NEVER leaked) and 2 years into the house, an ordinary rainfall flooded their basement. If you agree to fill the cracks - it should be done from the outside (dig up the ground, paint with the black tar and cover with poly sheets before backfilling the ground).