Cindy Clarke – Deck Builders Ames

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.

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Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA is an excellent option for homeowners with wood or MDF cabinets that are structurally sound but need a freshening up. Refinishing typically involves sanding the existing surface, applying filler to gouges and scratches, and camouflaging discolored areas.

However, refinishing is not appropriate for severely damaged cabinets. If your cabinets are displaying signs of microbial growth, repairs or replacement is necessary.

Water Damage

When a kitchen is damaged by water, it’s not always as easy to repair as you might think. Wood-finished cabinets rely on a protective topcoat to keep moisture out, but over time, that seal can wear thin. That’s when the real damage starts, as unprotected wood is prone to long-term deterioration. Painted finishes might offer more protection, but even they can begin to bubble, crack, and separate from the substrate. Cabinet refinishing might be able to fix minor swelling, replace the lost finish, and mask discolored areas with a stain camouflaging product, but if damage is severe or the cabinets are warped or split, replacement may be necessary.

The extent of the damage to your cabinets will depend on the type and class of the water loss. Class 1 water is non-toxic and has a relatively slow evaporation rate, while class 3 water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria, or fungi, and can cause significant discomfort or illness.

Refinishing typically involves sanding the surface to remove any existing paint or stain, filling in deeper dents and gouges, and then staining the repaired area and sanding again. This process can take as little as a few days for a standard-size kitchen, but larger homes or those that are being refinished to a new color could extend the project to a few weeks.

Refinishing isn’t a DIY-friendly project, but enlisting professional assistance ensures that your cabinets are properly prepped and finished to provide long-lasting results. Refinishing is also more cost effective than cabinet refacing, and it doesn’t require the removal of existing countertops or any major structural modifications to your kitchen.

Scratches

Cabinet refinishing can be an excellent option for revitalizing cabinet doors and drawer fronts that have begun to show wear, fading or discoloration over the years. The process involves sanding down the existing sheen and applying a new stain or paint, transforming the appearance of your cabinets and giving your kitchen a much-needed facelift without the cost or disruption of a full replacement.

While refinishing is ideal for changing your cabinet color or finish, it does not address structural issues, misaligned or cracked doors, or dents and scratches. For a smooth, blemish-free result, you’ll need to address these problems before beginning refinishing work. For a simple fix, wood filler or putty can be used to fill in any chips and scratches, while sanding the entire surface of your cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper will help to smooth out these imperfections and make them less noticeable.

A fresh coat of stain can enhance the natural grain of your wood cabinets and add rich, warm color tones to your kitchen. It’s important to note that stains require proper preparation, as they seep into the wood grain rather than sitting on top of it. Stains are also not suitable for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF), as these materials lack the natural grain that staining highlights.

While a full cabinet replacement is undeniably transformative, it’s an invasive process that can leave your kitchen unusable for weeks or longer, as well as require the services of contractors like plumbers and electricians to relocate or replace fixtures and appliances. Refinishing, on the other hand, is much less invasive and can be completed in days to a week, so you can return to your daily routine more quickly and enjoy your refreshed kitchen.

Dents

Cabinets are often the focal point of any kitchen, and they can begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. Rather than replacing them, homeowners can choose to revitalize their cabinets by refinishing them. Refinishing offers numerous benefits over replacement, including cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

The cabinet refinishing process involves thoroughly cleaning and preparing the cabinets before applying a new finish. This includes removing hardware, sanding down the surfaces to create a smooth base, and addressing any needed repairs. Once the cabinets are prepared, they can be refinished using a variety of products, such as primer and paint.

A new coat of finish protects cabinets from damage and makes them easier to clean. It can also help protect against food stains, water damage, and scratches. Many homeowners choose to refinish their kitchen cabinets because they want to give them a fresh new look without the expense of replacing them.

While refinishing is a quick and easy way to change the appearance of your kitchen, it’s important to work with a professional to ensure a high-quality job. It’s also important to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, which can strip the finish and lead to discoloration over time.

When dealing with dents, it’s best to use wood filler that is compatible with your cabinet material. It can be applied to the affected area and sanded down once it’s dry, and it can be used to repair deep dents and gouges in cabinet door and drawer fronts.

Refinishing is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to replacement, as it reduces the amount of waste generated by discarded cabinetry. It also eliminates the need for additional materials and labor that come with a full replacement project. In addition, refinishing can be completed in less time than a complete replacement, which can reduce the amount of time your kitchen is out of commission.

Repairs

Even the best cabinet paint jobs can only hold up to so much. Nicks and scratches begin to appear within a few years, especially in high-use areas like the door handles. You can quickly address these issues with cabinet touch-ups, but if you’re nearing the 10-year mark and seeing more wear than you’d like, consider cabinet refacing instead. This option provides a dramatic upgrade and comes with long-lasting durability, making it a smart investment for your kitchen.

To prepare your cabinets for painting or staining, remove any hardware and wipe them clean. Use a gentle cleaner formulated for wood to make sure the surface is free of dirt, grease, and grime. Sanding the surfaces lightly is also important to smooth out any damaged spots and ensure your new finish bonds properly. Once the sanding is complete, be sure to wipe away all remaining dust to ensure your newly painted or stained cabinets stay beautiful and smooth.

If you notice a problem with your hinges, or the doors seem to bang loudly when you open and close them, you may have stripped screw holes. This can happen when you tighten a screw too many times, or it can simply be a result of age and wear. You can fix this by replacing the screws, or you can fill in the stripped hole with wood glue and a toothpick.

Proper maintenance is important for extending the life of your refinished cabinets. Regularly wiping surfaces with a dry cloth will keep dust and dirt from building up, and mild soap and water can help tackle more stubborn stains and grime. Be careful when using cleaning products, though—strong chemicals can strip the surface and cause discoloration. Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area before applying it to your cabinets.

Replacement

Cabinets are an important part of any kitchen, serving multiple purposes including maximizing storage and enhancing appearance. But like any stationary furniture in your home, cabinets can be subject to a bit of wear and tear over time. If your cabinets are damaged to the point where they negatively impact the look and function of your kitchen, then it may be time for replacement.

Whether you’re considering refacing or replacing, it’s a good idea to have your cabinet damage assessed by a professional before making any decisions. The expert can tell you if the damage is something that can be repaired with refinishing or if it’s better to replace the entire cabinet.

Refacing isn’t ideal for cabinets that are heavily damaged, as it only focuses on giving the exterior a facelift. In order for refacing to be successful, the frame must be structurally sound. If the frames are warped, cracked, or compromised in any way, then it may not be able to support new veneers and doors without causing further damage.

On the other hand, if your cabinet frames are still in great condition but the doors and drawer fronts need a refresh, then refinishing can provide an excellent solution. Cabinet refinishing can be used to transform the look of cabinets by changing the color or stain, as well as tackle touch-ups and repairs at the same time.

Cabinet refinishing can also be used to change the overall look of your cabinets, which is particularly useful for homeowners who want a more contemporary or modern design. If you’re looking for a lighter wood tone, bolder colors, or even a two-toned cabinet color scheme, our talented technicians can help!

Foundation Repair for Cracks in Walls and Floors