Foundation Cracks - When to Call a Pro in Jackson, MS

Are you spotting cracks in your walls, floors, or exterior surfaces? You might be asking yourself, “Is that just normal settling, or does it signal something more serious?” Settling is normal and happens to all homes to some degree. This natural process is more likely in new construction, as the home needs time to adjust to its surroundings. However, it can take some homes up to 50 years to settle!

While settling is typical, you also don’t want to overlook a potential foundation problem. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between normal settling and something bigger. Let’s walk through the common types of cracks and indicators that help you know when it’s time to call a foundation professional. With our unique soil conditions and weather patterns, it’s not unusual to need foundation repair in Jackson MS at some point.

Normal Settling vs Foundation Problems

Over time, every home experiences some degree of settling. This is natural and expected. You might see small, hairline cracks in drywall or minor shifts in indoor frames. These are typically harmless. However, foundation problems go beyond normal wear and tear. They often result in soil movement, erosion, poor drainage, or structural issues that can threaten your home’s stability.

Why Cracks Happen

The most common cause of foundation cracks is soil movement. Here in Jackson, residential and commercial structures sit on Yazoo clay. This highly expansive clay shifts dramatically with moisture fluctuations, exerting extreme pressure on foundations—sometimes up to 50 times more than your home’s weight! When the soil gets wet during rainy seasons, it expand and when dry, it shrinks, causing your foundation to move, crack, or settle.

Cracks That Should Raise a Red Flag

Not all cracks require urgent attention, but some do. Here are the types you should watch closely:

Horizontal Cracks

These often appear in basement or crawl space walls and are typically caused by soil pressure pushing inward, often from moisture-saturated clay.

Stair-Step Cracks

Found in block foundations, these cracks zigzag along mortar joints and often signal settlement or shifting. They’re not just cosmetic; they indicate structural stress.

Diagonal Cracks (especially around windows or doors)

These can suggest movement in the foundation beneath and often accompany sagging floors, sticking doors, or interior gaps.

Cracks exceeding ¼ inch

Hairline cracks that are vertical, narrow fissures can be normal, especially in newer homes. But anything wider may point to serious foundation movement and should be evaluated by a professional.

Other Warning Signs to Watch

Sometimes cracks aren’t obvious, but other symptoms suggest underlying issues. Pay attention to:

• Sticking or misaligned doors and windows. This is a frequent effect of settling foundations.

• Uneven or sloping floors. This is often caused by soil movement beneath the slab.

• Bowed or bulging walls. Separation between cabinets or trim and walls, or even gaps in siding, can be further signs of movement.

  
  

Why You Should Call a Pro - and Soon

Jackson’s climate and soil conditions amplify foundation risk, so early detection is critical. Small issues can escalate into major structural damage and costly repairs. A professional inspection with Foremost Foundations and Construction will help you diagnose what type of crack you’re dealing with, and the cause.

Once we know this information, we can recommend the appropriate solution, such as helical piling, stabilizing, polyurethane foam injections, or drainage fixes tailored to Yazoo clay’s behavior. Because unaddressed issues can worsen over time and reduce the resale value of your home, there’s no reason to wait. If the cost is concerning, rest assured that Foremost Foundations works with Enhancify, allowing you to finance the project with affordable monthly payments.

What to Expect During Inspection and Repair

At Foremost Foundations, our process is transparent and efficient. We start with a free visual inspection, both inside and outside, to assess visible signs and soil drainage. Next, we put together a clear repair plan, whether it’s polyurethane foam injections, helical piers, or drainage mitigation.

Everything will be explained in straightforward terms so that you understand the work being done. After the project is complete, our technicians will also educate you on how to prevent foundation problems in the future, such as directing water away from your home, keeping your gutters and downspouts clean, and addressing plumbing leaks right away.

Schedule Foundation Repair in Jackson MS Today

If you're noticing diagonal, stair-step, or horizontal cracks, gaps near doors or windows, or sloping floors, then don’t wait. Foremost Foundations and Construction is committed to protecting Jackson-area homes. Contact us today at 601-405-1052 to schedule your free foundation inspection.