Unusual cracks in the ground in crawl space

[Stephen P. Shockley]

Other than the obvious in this photo (missing vapor barrier), has any one come across finding cracks in the ground in the crawl space? This crack in the ground started at the front of the home and went almost all the way to the back of the home. Didn't see any cracking in the foundation walls where it was starting and ending though.

[Gerry Pallotta]

Looks to me at one time the soil was damp/wet and now that the ground has dried up it has cracked.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I agree Gerry , we see a lot down here

[Jamie R. Wilks]

I agree with Gerry & Wayne as well. I have seen this type of cracking, but only in very dry weather (which is not too common in SE Virginia). The good news, at least the crawl space appears to be dry.

[Stephen P. Shockley]

Thanks for the comments/inputs gentlemen.

Regards,

Steve

[Darin Redding]

I often see similar cracks like that down here in San Diego. I agree with Gerry.

[Casey Patten]

Good to see pictures like this. Here in MN, I rarely see crawlspaces; education from other areas is great!

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Types of cracks in soil are often determined by the mix of the soil.....ie. sand, clay, silty, loamy, etc...... obviously certain mixtures will result in greater cracking which may or may not affect the foundation.

I would be more concerned if cracking was prevalent throughout..........you noted that no foundation cracking was noted so based upon my I would simply note to any prior moisture infiltration which may affect the foundation / subfloor system.

regards

Jeff

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Those are exactly the types of cracks under houses that indicate a housing development built over an ancient Indian burial ground. Ever see "Poltergeist"? If I were you I would disclaim every system in this house because they are all about to fall apart. I saw that movie!