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Not all cracks in brick indicate foundation problems. For instance, small hairline cracks can occur as a new construction settles. However, larger cracks are often a sign of a more severe issue. Indicators of a potential foundation problem include long horizontal cracks, "stair-step" cracks, vertical cracks that appear indoors, or any crack that widens at the top. Other signs of structural damage to look for are uneven floors and doors or windows that stick. These issues could be caused by problems with the soil beneath the home or an overgrown tree.

If you don’t have any access to or knowledge of any area underneath your home, chances are it’s built slab-on-grade. You can also look for the concrete around the bottom edge of your structure; if it’s just a few inches tall, it’s likely a slab. If it’s more than that, has any windows, or you have steps leading to your main entrance, you likely have a different foundation style.

Yes, slab foundations can sink just like any other foundation type. Floating slabs are the most prone to differential settlement and foundation sinking because they sit directly on the surface of the earth. Slab foundations that have footings—including slab-on-grade foundations and monolithic slab foundations—get additional support from soil further down and are less likely to sink over time, especially under larger, heavier structures.

Foundation settling is normal and expected if just a small amount of settlement occurs within a year or so after construction. This usually results in hairline cracks in the foundation, which aren’t typically a problem. If settlement occurs years after construction, unevenly under your home, or results in signs of structural damage, then it could be very serious. Foundation stabilization and drainage system installation to fix unnatural settlement can cost tens of thousands of dollars and compromise the structural integrity of your entire home.