Normal movement
Small finish cracks or minor adjustments can occur as materials dry, loads change, and a building ages. The presence of a crack alone does not establish a foundation failure.
More concerning movement
Progressive differential settlement can create repeated diagonal cracks, sloping floors, gaps at trim, sticking openings, or displaced exterior masonry. Multiple related symptoms are more informative than one isolated blemish.
How professionals separate the two
Evaluation may include visual inspection, level measurements, crack documentation, drainage observations, and review of where movement is concentrated. Monitoring can be appropriate when the condition appears stable.
Related foundation guides
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