Stair Step cracking in basement in Haubstadt, IN
Here is an overview of the stair step crack on the west wall of this Haubstadt, IN home. Stair Step Cracking is an indication of foundation movement. You can determine the origin point of the movement by finding the highest portion of the stairs. As the steps lower, the movement is less, but still enough to move the wall. In this case, the southwest corner of the home is hinge point, or start of the movement.
Water intrusion causes wall problems in Haubstadt, IN
Here's the southwest corner of the home. You can see that there's a rusty, crusty mineral build up discoloring the wall. This is a sign of long term water intrusion. This causes the expansive soil to expand and the hydro-compact-able soil to sink. This makes the walls move.
Bowing Foundation Wall in Haubstadt, IN
Here's a long straight crack along the south wall. This is a bulge, where the block foundation is being pressed inward by pressure from the expansive soil outside the basement.
More Cracking in Haubstadt, IN basement
Here's another picture of stair step cracking along the west wall. In this case. the movement starts at the northwest corner of the basement. If you're keeping count, that means 3 foundation walls in the basement are moving!