North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

Most horizontal cracking in basement walls is typically caused by which of the following?

1. Improper drainage

2. External forces like soil pressure

3. Foundation settling

4. Temperature change

The correct answer is: External forces like soil pressure

Horizontal cracking in basement walls is typically caused by external forces such as soil pressure. Over time, as soil moisture content fluctuates, it can expand or contract, exerting lateral pressure on the foundation walls. This increased pressure can lead to horizontal cracks, especially if the walls are not sufficiently reinforced to withstand such forces. While improper drainage can contribute to hydrostatic pressure on the walls, it primarily leads to vertical cracking or bowing rather than horizontal cracking. Foundation settling may also cause issues, but this usually results in vertical displacement or diagonal cracks depending on the type of settlement. Temperature changes can lead to minor expansion and contraction impacts, but they do not typically create the significant pressure required to generate horizontal cracks in basement walls. Therefore, the primary cause of horizontal cracking is indeed the external forces acting on the structure from the surrounding soil.