Have you noticed cracks in your foundation while doing yard work or taking boxes out of your crawl space?
Not all foundation cracks are threatening to the structural integrity of your home. Some are the result of natural settling and can be easily fixed.
But, at what point should you start worrying about foundation cracks?
Keep reading below to learn what you should be looking for and when it’s time to call for foundation crack repair services.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks are a common problem and occur in nearly all poured concrete structures. They can happen in newer or older homes.
These cracks can form as the result of stress or soil settlement along the footing of the structure. At USS, we use a repair method called an epoxy injection to permanently seal your foundation cracks and prevent them from leaking water when it’s raining.
What happens if a crack isn’t dealt with immediately? Water could leak into your basement or crawl space. This seepage occurs when water levels in the soil rise and cause hydrostatic pressure on the foundation.
The presence of water damages your foundation and results in mold growth, which affects your air quality and poses a health risk. Spotting a crack isn’t cause for alarm, but you’ll want to get it taken care of right away.
When to Start Worrying About Foundation Cracks
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: there are different types of cracks you may observe. Some are worse than others.
- Vertical cracks: these types of cracks are caused by a home’s natural settlement
- Horizontal cracks: you’ll see these cracks in concrete or brick walls, and they indicate there is a problem with your foundation
- Diagonal cracks: keep an eye on these cracks because they could mean an uneven settlement
- Stair-step cracks: these types of cracks are what happens when diagonal cracks get worse and need to be repaired
New cracks can be fixed relatively quickly if you catch them early on, otherwise, they’ll keep growing until they begin damaging your foundation.
When It’s Time for Foundation Crack Repair
Cracks measuring under a quarter of an inch wide are considered harmless, but you should still watch them.
Call a professional if one or more of these things happen:
- The crack grows in size
- Water is seeping through the cracks
- A basement or crawl space wall appears to be bowing
There are multiple ways a foundation repair expert can fix the issue. They can seal less severe cracks in a short visit or use more heavy-duty solutions like installing pressure piers or helical piers to stabilize your foundation.
Stop Foundation Cracks Early
After reading this article, you should know when to start worrying about foundation cracks. The key is to monitor your foundation and fix any small cracks before they get worse.
You’ll know it’s time for a home foundation crack repair if the cracks get bigger or water begins seeping through the walls.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about foundation crack repair or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
