When to Take Care of Foundation Cracks?

Even if you have leak detection and prevention systems in place, such as a sump pump and clean and clear gutters, foundation cracks can still emerge. Now is the time to concentrate on properly correcting the problem before it becomes too bad.

Loose soil, insufficient drainage, very wet or dry soil, broken construction, earthquakes, and changes in temperature are all potential causes of foundation damage. You see, many of these variables are outside your control. Flooding is, of course, the most prevalent foundation damage cause, so check your home if you've just had one.

Now that you know that foundation cracks are unavoidable, let's look at when you should be concerned and when foundation crack repair is necessary.

Foundation Crack Types

Cracks in the hairline

Seasonal fluctuations if your building is new are the most common causes of these ultra thin fractures on the inside of your foundation. These cracks almost never let water in and are easily fixed with epoxy fill. This will prevent them from expanding and permitting water seepage in the future.

Wider cracks

Foundation settling is most often the cause of cracks larger than a hairline and in large numbers. Unfortunately, settling increases over time, making it more difficult to restore. If you notice settling cracks in your ceilings, walls, and around windows and doors, you're likely to notice a split in your foundation or uneven brick spacing outside.

Horizontal cracks

Do you have large horizontal fractures in your crawlspace, basement, or walls that are leaning? If this is the case, you have reason to be alarmed. If your walls are formed of concrete blocks, these will appear as stair-steps, indicating that your foundation is in serious jeopardy. What is the most likely reason? Outside the building, saturated dirt is exerting pressure on the walls. Bring in the specialists right away.

Foundation Cracks Symptoms

Aside from noticeable fractures surrounding your home, there are a number of other signs of damage to be aware of. Although some signs may suggest minor or major problems, minor unevenness due to settling is not uncommon. Inside your home, though, you should keep an eye out for the following more drastic changes:

• Doors and windows that are misaligned

• Walls that are bowing

• Slanted flooring

• Cracks in ceramic tile and masonry

• Drywall cracks

When Should You Be Concerned About Foundation Cracks?

Block and concrete foundations often get cracks as mortar and concrete tend to dry when they shrink. While most shrinkage cracks are harmless and may be easily repaired with epoxy, some cracks might be hazardous to your building.

Keep an eye on things.

It's a good idea to keep an eye on your cracks so you don't have to deal with major repairs later. The 90-degree corners in your home are another location to keep an eye on. Check crack width with a ruler and make a note of them, then check again to see if they have widened. A helpful hint: any crack larger than 1/2 inch should be addressed by a professional for foundation crack repair.

Not all cracks are dangerous.

The top 12-16 inches of brick walls built directly onto a concrete foundation are prone to angular cracks. The bricks expand in the summer, putting pressure on the outside foundation corners, causing these fissures. These cracks, as well as shrinkage hairline and cracks basement floor, won't need to be treated unless they start to enlarge.

When Should You Be Concerned About Foundation Cracks?

Horizontal cracks indicate a major failure of the wall due to external pressure. Vertical cracks that are wider at the top suggest a sinking foundation and heaving center, and vertical cracks that are broader at the bottom indicate a sinking foundation and heaving center.

The severity of a foundation crack is determined by the size, location, and number of cracks. And, of course, whether the structure of the building shows any other symptoms of structural concerns.

Unfortunately, a foundation fracture can lead to further difficulties such as roof leaks, basement wall leaks, door and window troubles, and framing issues. And, as you can expect, this is often a pricey repair procedure.

Call Ramjack by American Leveling if you're worried about your foundation cracking and want to learn more about the best ways to address the problem.