Foundation cracks can be a warning sign of structural problems or a natural part of the home’s settling process. Proper monitoring and early repairs can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Solutions that cover or hide foundation cracks are short-term fixes and may lead to further damage over time. Permanent solutions such as epoxy injection can repair cracks and seal the basement against water leaks and soil gasses like radon. Visit Foundation Repair Murfreesboro TN for more information.
Vertical Cracks
When hairline cracks appear on your foundation walls they are a sign of normal settling and typically pose little threat to the stability of your home. However, as time goes by they may become a safety issue to your family members. They also diminish your resale value and may deter potential buyers. If you notice a significant increase in the length or width of a vertical crack it is a good idea to call a professional for a foundation inspection.
Wider vertical cracks indicate that your foundation is shifting and it’s time to consult a foundation repair contractor for a thorough inspection and professional repair solution. Foundation damage may be caused by differential settlement, excessive soil pressure against a foundation wall, or lateral earth movement that causes bowing walls.
Vertical cracks that are narrower than 1/8 inch and run parallel to each other are usually referred to as shrinkage cracks. These are caused when a concrete foundation loses moisture and shrinks as it cures. It’s quite common for new construction to see these type of cracks within the first year.
Narrow and straight vertical cracks in block or brick walls are most commonly the result of overlying pressure from excessive loads or heavy objects resting on a foundation. These type of cracks can be repaired by removing the object and resetting it on a different location.
If your vertical cracks are becoming wider or are accompanied by other signs of foundation movement, it is time to contact a professional for a comprehensive inspection and recommended repair solution. Repair options may include carbon fiber reinforcement, wall anchors or piers, and/or helical push piers.
Even though minor cracks can be repaired by a homeowner using epoxy or polyurethane injection kits, it’s recommended that you seek the help of a professional to address severe or structural cracking in your foundation walls. Professional contractors have the expertise, tools, and specialized materials to assess, diagnose, and repair any type of foundation cracking. They can also advise on best practices for preventing future cracking and ensure that the underlying issues are resolved to prevent more serious damage.
Horizontal Cracks
Foundation cracks are a serious issue for homeowners. The severity of these cracks can range from non-structural to structural, and left untreated, can worsen over time, leading to severe structural damage. Understanding the types and causes of these cracks is important to help prevent further damage and avoid costly repairs. Keeping an eye on your basement for the appearance of these cracks is also essential, as early detection and intervention can often prevent further problems.
Small, cosmetic cracks less than 1/4 inch in width are usually not a cause for concern. However, these cracks should be monitored over time and a professional should be consulted if they reappearate or grow in size.
Horizontal cracks in basement walls are a more serious issue and can indicate movement or pressure on the foundation walls. These can be caused by uneven settling of the foundation, moisture issues or changes in water drainage around the house.
These cracks may also be caused by frost heave, where the soil expands as it freezes, placing pressure on basement foundation walls. Water leaks in the basement or from plumbing can also cause these cracks, as can changes in temperature that lead to expansion and contraction of the walls. Other signs of these cracks include doors or windows that are sticking and floors that are no longer level.
In these cases, it’s essential to consult a professional for a comprehensive assessment and recommended repair methods. Depending on the cause of the cracks, solutions like wall plate anchors and carbon fiber straps can be used to stop further inward movement and stabilize the foundation. In severe cases of bowing walls, the basement may need to be rebuilt.
Preventing these problems before they start is the best way to minimize the impact on your home’s structure and value. Keeping gutters clear and directing rainwater away from the foundation can reduce water drainage issues that are a major cause of these problems. Adding a sump pump in the basement can also keep the area below ground as dry as possible, preventing moisture buildup that can cause these problems. These simple steps can make a significant difference in minimizing these potential issues and extending the life of your home’s foundation.
Diagonal Cracks
Foundation cracks are a common issue for homeowners and can signal serious structural issues that can threaten the safety, value, and appearance of your home. Understanding what types of cracks are normal and which require immediate attention can save you significant time, money, and potential damage in the future.
If a crack is wider than a quarter of an inch, it should be inspected by a professional for assessment of potential structural issues. The width of a crack can change over time, so it is important to take a snapshot and measure the crack regularly to monitor its progress. The “quarter-inch rule” is a general guideline, but other factors may also indicate a need for a professional evaluation.
Hairline cracks less than 1/8 inch wide are often cosmetic and result from the natural settling of concrete during curing. Horizontal and diagonal cracks are typically more serious, as they indicate pressure from the soil and can indicate a shift in the foundation’s weight load.
Newly poured concrete homes are prone to shrinkage cracks within the first few years, as the foundation is drying out and shrinking. These cracks are typically vertical and do not pose a threat to the structure of the house.
Diagonal and stair-step cracks may indicate uneven foundation settling. Unless they are minor, it is recommended to call a foundation repair expert for inspection and possible repairs.
If a crack is widening, changing direction, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as sticking doors or windows it is recommended to call a professional for a foundation evaluation. Depending on the severity of the crack and its underlying causes, repair options may include epoxy crack injections, carbon fiber countersunk staples, or helical piers. If left untreated, foundation cracks can widen further and compromise the stability of the entire home, resulting in costly structural damage. Foundation cracks should always be evaluated for their severity and potential impact on the safety, value, and appearance of your Memphis home. This will protect your investment and ensure your family’s safety and comfort in the home for years to come.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are thin surface-level fractures that are less than 1/8 inch wide. They’re a result of the natural settling process as concrete cures and settles in new homes, and they don’t pose any significant structural threats. If you notice these tiny cracks in your foundation, a professional can recommend the most effective repair methods for your home.
If you’re unsure whether hairline cracks warrant a professional evaluation, use a ruler to measure them. Any that widen over time should be evaluated by a professional, as this indicates structural movement and could lead to a more serious problem if not addressed quickly.
Settling: Both new and older homes can experience a degree of settling, which often leads to cracks in walls. This is caused by uneven settlement of the foundation on shifting soils, which puts stress on the walls. This is exacerbated by temperature changes, which cause building materials to expand and contract slightly.
Uneven settling can also be caused by poor soil compaction during construction, which can create pressure on the foundation. This may result in lateral cracks that run along the sides of the wall plane.
Diagonal cracks in your walls usually aren’t a cause for concern, but they should be monitored and checked for any worsening over time. They’re a result of the settlement of the foundation, but they can also be caused by shrinkage of concrete in the wall’s corners.
Cracks in the floor of your basement typically indicate a serious foundation problem and should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible. Especially in the case of horizontal and diagonal cracks, it’s crucial that you consult with a foundation specialist as soon as possible to avoid potential structural failure.
Regular maintenance and prevention strategies can help you reduce the risk of major foundation damage. For example, ensure that the ground around your foundation slopes away from the house and install and maintain gutters to avoid water pooling near the foundation. Structural landscaping solutions can also help with this, directing moisture away from the foundation and preventing soil erosion. Smart monitoring systems can also provide helpful insight into your foundation’s health, alerting you to potential problems before they become dangerous or costly.