Foundation cracks can indicate more than a simple problem. Analyzing these can help determine the state of your foundations and the repairs necessary.
The width of a crack, its evolution within the structure and the direction of a crack are good indicators of: necessary procedures, possible causes, the seriousness of the situation and the repair method.
Find out what different cracks can tell you about the state of your foundation.
Types of cracks: what they say about your foundation
Not all cracks have the same properties, so it’s important to attentively inspect your foundation to know more about the condition it’s in. The crack direction can tell you about the severity of the problem.
Vertical cracks
Vertical cracks are quite common and appear on a large majority of houses in the first years following their construction. However, they can lead to water leaks in the foundations, especially during heavy rainfall.
To avoid any problems, it is recommended to fill these cracks with an epoxy or polyurethane injection.
Diagonal cracks
Diagonal cracks are caused by soil subsidence under one of the foundation supporting pillars, resulting in one corner of your house being lower than the other and your foundation being subject to differential settlement. This causes your soil to move against the pressure and a lack of foundation material flexibility leaves your home with a crack.
Again, an epoxy or polyurethane injection is used to repair it.
Stair step cracks
Common on brick walls, stair step cracks on your exterior walls are due to differential settlements. An epoxy or polyurethane treatment is required to avoid siding imbalance.
Horizontal cracks
Unlike the previous cracks, horizontal cracks pose a serious threat to your home, potentially leading to a collapse. They indicate a possible structural defect and a sloped foundation due to excessive pressure of soil on the exterior wall.
If you notice a horizontal crack, contact a team of experts to do a thorough inspection and repair it as quickly as possible. They will evaluate the recommended procedure to strengthen your foundation and ensure the structural durability of your home.
For an accurate foundation inspection, contact a specialist
Cracks on your foundation should not be taken lightly. No matter the type, contact a team of experts to do a thorough inspection, determine the causes and tell you the best solution for your situation.
For all foundation crack inspections or for more information, contact Foundation Crack Expert.
