We are dealing with cracks all the time but some times we are surprised how did they happen when the wall is new, newly painted and similar. The factors can be also combination not always one factor causes cracks. Well, there are some reasons that are similar for any wall cracks and are explained bellow. 

as water used in the mix design evaporates we have Drying Shrinkage
cracks due to temperature changes are Thermal Contraction/Expansion resulting from poor soil conditions or changes in soil moisture content are Subgrade Settlement (or Expansion)
Harder soils under part of the foundation can cause stresses as the building ?settles in. they are Differential Bearing Capacity cracks
Forces such as building load, earth load, hydrostatic pressure, or heavy equipment operated too close to the wall are causing Applied Stresses cracks

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