More serious cracks tend to be:

More serious cracks in structures are often identified as horizontal cracks. This type of cracking typically indicates more significant issues such as soil pressure or improper foundational support, which can result from factors like water saturation or shifting soil. Horizontal cracks suggest that there is a lateral movement of the foundation or walls, which may lead to structural instability.

In contrast, diagonal and vertical cracks may indicate less severe issues, often associated with settling or temperature changes. Diagonal cracks can develop from uneven settling but do not always signify critical structural problems. Vertical cracks might occur due to shrinkage of materials or settling, but they are generally viewed as more manageable and less alarming than horizontal cracks.

Random cracks may arise from various causes but lack a clear pattern that associates them with severe structural instability. Understanding these distinctions helps home inspectors assess the severity of the foundation or structural issues during an inspection, ultimately guiding appropriate remediation strategies.