These cracks run parallel to the ground and are often the most alarming.

Cracks in Brick Veneer: Causes, Inspection, and Repair Solutions

Understanding the type of crack is essential to determining whether you have a simple cosmetic issue or a serious structural problem.

One Saturday, her neighbor Hank, a retired mason, saw her staring at the wall. “You’ve got the crack stare,” he said, smiling. “Don’t worry. Most cracks in brick veneer aren’t a crisis. They’re just clues.”

Hank pointed to her downspout. “There’s your clue. That downspout dumps all the roof’s water right next to the foundation. Rain soaks the soil, soil swells, pushes against the wall, and — crack.”

If the crack is wide, bulging, or caused by foundation movement:

Not every crack requires an engineer, but there are specific red flags to look for: