Vertical cracks are usually due to settling of the footer, which normally occurs a period of years after construction of the building. These cracks often form at the end of the wall, where two walls join, or below window openings at the point where the wall is relatively weaker due to fewer blocks in the wall at that point. These cracks normally do not affect the structure and are primarily cosmetic, although they will create an opening for water to seep in.

Vertical cracks are discussed in Section G of The Home Waterproofers Manual – Home Waterproofing A to Z. What looks like a very serious and expensive problem may not be. Once it’s explained, the problem and the solution will make common sense. If there’s an inexpensive way to fix the problem, the waterproofing salesmen won’t tell you. Most make their money on a percentage of the sale, so they’ll charge as much as they can. They don’t consider it their job to save you money. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of high priced waterproofers.

You can save thousands of dollars and many headaches by learning what is going on first. Often what looks like an expensive and serious problem may not be. Once the problem is explained, solving it is just common sense. I’ve used the knowledge I’ve put in The Home Waterproofers Manual – Home Waterproofing A to Z every day to fix water problems. It will work for you too.

But remember, when dealing with salesmen, in the waterproofing business it’s “buyer beware”. Most get a percentage of the sale and don’t consider it their job to save you money. They charge as much as they can. If they see a problem that can be fixed at low cost, or one that has a simple solution, they won’t mention it, but will only talk about “preventing serious damage” and try to scare you into signing a big contract.