Cracks in concrete foundations are a common problem in Quebec. Don’t worry, these cracks aren’t hazardous in the short term—but it’s important to find and repair them before they become problems in the long term.
When you find a crack in your foundation, it’s essential to determine why it appeared. Cracks are often symptomatic of larger problems that may damage your home and create hazards for residents.
In this article, the professionals at Foundation Crack Expert explain what causes cracks in the foundation.
Conditions when the foundation is laid
If you notice cracks in your home’s foundation, walls or roof, it’s time to investigate the condition of your foundation. The quality of concrete used to build the foundation and ground and weather conditions at the time the foundation was laid are factors that will affect the durability of the structure.
If low-quality concrete was used, the ground was frozen or the wind was particularly strong when the foundation was laid, it may be more fragile and prone to cracks.
It’s important to choose the right time to pour your foundation to prevent the concrete from being porous and crumbly.
Ground instability
In some regions of Quebec, the ground moves naturally, which can alter the balance of a structure. A house built on unstable ground will inevitably be more fragile and prone to cracks in the foundation.
Although ground instability is a geological problem that is impossible to control, being aware of it means that the structure can be reinforced accordingly. Ground instability should be taken into account during initial construction planning. In such cases, it’s essential to consult a foundation expert to ensure the durability of the structure.
Moisture and water infiltration
Last but not least, moisture and water infiltration can cause cracks to form in the foundation. Like ground instability, Quebec experiences a significant amount of humidity. The snow, wind and cold of our harsh winters are tough on the foundations and walls of our homes. Prolonged water exposure can weaken the concrete, and once cracks appear, moisture can seep into the building, causing further damage.
We recommend conducting a water ingress test regularly to make sure your foundation is secure. If you find a breach, you’ll need to have repairs done to protect your foundation from further damage.
All of these causes of foundation cracks may require crack repair.
Foundation Crack Expert can fix your cracks!
The consequences of cracks in your foundation won’t be serious in the short term. That being said, it’s still important to fix any defects you find promptly, because they can lead to significant structural damage in the long term. In order to determine how best to repair cracks in the foundation, you’ll need to know what caused them.
Don’t hesitate to contact our experts for foundation crack inspection and repairs! Our diligent, committed team will be able to help you with any problems related to cracks in your home.
