A two-story shingled house with a porch, garden and an American flag

Is that crack serious?

Most cracks in a house are harmless. A few are early warnings. CrackAdvise helps you tell the difference, decide whether to fix it yourself or call a pro, and avoid paying for repairs you don't need.

Check your crack in 60 seconds Read the foundation guide

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Start with what you're looking at

Vertical crackUsually concrete shrinkage. Often normal.See real examples

Horizontal crackIn a foundation wall, the most serious type.See real examples

Diagonal crackOften settling. Watch width and growth.See real examples

Stair-step crackIn brick or block, can signal settlement.See real examples

Spiderweb cracksUsually plaster or paint. Rarely structural.See real examples

Along a seamDrywall joints and wall-ceiling corners. Usually cosmetic.See real examples

The quick rules of thumb

Hairline (under 1/16") and not growing: almost always cosmetic. Mark it, date it, monitor it.
1/16" to 1/8": common as houses settle. Seal it and keep watching.
1/8" to 1/4", or growing: have it inspected.
Wider than 1/4", horizontal in a foundation wall, or one side higher than the other: get a structural engineer's opinion.
A sagging ceiling or a wall that's bowing or moving: act now.

Every house is different, and these are guidelines, not a diagnosis. The Crack Checker combines location, direction, width and warning signs into a clearer answer.