Stair-step cracks in brick: what to know

Stair-step cracks follow mortar joints in a stepped pattern up brick veneer. Homeowners in the Oklahoma City metro often notice them on corners or near garage openings. They can relate to foundation or veneer movement — or other issues — so treat this page as a checklist, not a verdict.

What to document

• Photo with a ruler or coin for scale
• Whether the crack is wider at the top, bottom, or uniform
• Interior cracks or sticking doors on the same side of the house
• Recent grading, drainage changes, or large trees nearby

Why soil moisture gets mentioned

In expansive-soil regions, seasonal moisture change can contribute to differential movement that shows up in masonry. Central Oklahoma publications discuss shrink-swell soils; NRCS explains how expanding clays can damage structures when moisture shifts. Your brick crack still needs a local look.

Neathery et al. (2001) · NRCS soil hazards

Request a quote match

Use issue type “Cracks in walls or brick” or call (405) 956-2302. OKC Foundation Match is a lead-matching service, not the repair contractor.

Disclosure: OKC Foundation Match is a marketing / lead-matching website. We do not perform foundation repairs. Submitting a request shares your information with one or more local foundation professionals who may contact you about an inspection or estimate. We do not publish invented reviews, licenses, ratings, or “years in business.”

Related