It’s not uncommon for homeowners to find cracks in the foundation of their house. These cracks can be very worrisome, and they have a variety of potential causes: poor drainage, lower-quality concrete, harsh winters, etc.
Homeowners will usually be concerned about how the cracks might affect their home. Are they serious? Do they need to be fixed urgently? It can be difficult for an untrained eye to assess the severity of the damage.
In this article, the crack repair specialists at Foundation Crack Expert explain the consequences foundation cracks can have on your home.
Are foundation cracks cause for concern?
Cracks in the foundation have a variety of potential causes. In most cases, the appearance of cracks in the foundation is a normal phenomenon, even in new constructions. Cracks aren’t necessarily a sign of major problems with the foundation—they may simply be the result of the structure shifting with the seasons.
That being said, it’s vital to monitor the cracks carefully. If they grow over time, that may signal a more significant structural problem. If mould appears, you may have a water infiltration problem that could cause your house to deteriorate over time. It’s important to stay vigilant.
The consequences of foundation cracks
Foundation cracks can adversely affect your house in a variety of ways. Some will require expert crack repair to prevent consequences such as the following:
A damaged and unappealing exterior
The first consequence is the aesthetic appearance of the cracks themselves, which can often appear around the corners of windows and on the walls of your house.
Cracks are unsightly and can give the impression that your house is falling apart.
Water infiltration and moisture problems
The appearance of cracks in the foundation or around the corners of windows can often lead to water infiltration, which tends to worsen over time if not addressed promptly.
Water infiltration will eventually cause deterioration. It generally leads to the appearance of unpleasant odours, mold, and excess moisture in the building. If the cracks are left unaddressed for years, water infiltration can make the concrete structure porous, negatively affecting its solidity. In such cases, waterproofing the foundation may prove necessary.
Structural issues
While cracks in concrete tend to have a less significant impact on the structure of houses than on large-scale buildings, they still need to be monitored carefully. While many cracks do not pose any immediate risks, they can become a problem if left unaddressed for years.
The effects of time and weathering around the crack will gradually weaken the structure. Moisture accumulation and the resulting porosity of the foundation will affect the structure’s durability in the long term, particularly if the crack is located in a load-bearing part of the foundation.
Let Foundation Crack Expert repair your cracks
Foundation cracks must be monitored carefully to ensure that they don’t get worse. If they do, it’s important to contact a professional promptly to repair them. Professionals have the expertise necessary to repair concrete foundation cracks effectively.
Foundation Crack Expert specializes in repairing foundation cracks. Our reliable team will be able to determine the cause of the cracks and make the necessary repairs.
Contact us today for a permanent, durable solution to your foundation cracks.