Foundation cracks are a threat to your home and should not be ignored. What may seem like a minor crack can grow into a serious structural issue leading to water problems and extensive damage. Here's what you need to know about foundation cracks to keep your home safe and dry.
What causes foundation cracks?
Foundation cracks are often found around weak points like corners, window frames, doorways and pipes as well as the exterior of your foundation. There are multiple causes for these cracks. Here are the most common ones.
- Soil moisture levels. When your yard is saturated, the soil around your home's foundation exerts pressure, causing it to crack. When there isn't enough moisture in the soil, it shrinks, creating a gap that allows your foundation to shift and crack.
- Temperature changes. When the temperature changes between freezing and thawing, concrete expands and contracts, leading to foundation cracks. Extreme heat and sun exposure also cause cracking.
- Settlement. Once your home is filled with furniture and other items, the ground beneath the foundation may settle due to the compressive load and varying soil density. This uneven sinking may trigger cracking.
- Earthquakes. When the ground moves, your foundation shifts, causing it to weaken and crack. Even small earthquakes can threaten your home's stability.
How to spot foundation cracks
Time is critical when dealing with foundation cracks. The sooner you detect the problem, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. Here are some signs your home has structural damage.
- Cracks in your walls, especially around windows, doors and corners.
- Issues with opening and closing windows and doors.
- Basement flooding.
- Uneven floors.
- Cracks on the outside of your foundation, above ground level but below the siding.
- In brick homes, cracks in the mortar joints between the bricks.
Why are they a problem?
Foundation cracks are not only an eyesore, they can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Even small cracks can turn into big problems over time. These are the most common problems caused by foundation cracks.
- Leaks that lead to flooding and water damage.
- Structural issues and a weak foundation.
- Uneven floors.
- Doors and windows that won't open or close.
- Damage to pipes and plumbing.
- Insect infestation.
How to prevent foundation cracks
Foundation cracks are common, but you can take measures to avoid cracks that lead to serious damage. Waterproofing your yard and basement are effective preventative measures. Ensuring proper drainage around your foundation will prevent water build up that causes pressure and cracking. Being aware of crack-prone areas and monitoring existing cracks' size will help you prevent your problem from becoming more serious.
How to fix foundation cracks
It's best to hire a professional when dealing with structural issues. You want to ensure the problem is repaired properly to prevent further damage. Professionals tailor interior and exterior solutions to your home.
Interior solutions use hydraulic cement or a polyurethane injection to fill any type of interior wall crack. This injection fills from the interior to the exterior and into any additional cracks that may not be apparent.
Exterior solutions are highly effective for poured concrete foundation walls. Professionals will excavate a trench, exposing the foundation. They will then repair or replace any damaged cement and seal any cracks using hydraulic cement.
Foundation cracks are worrisome and should be taken seriously. Awareness and preventative measures can help you avoid extensive damage and expensive repair costs. If you have foundation cracks, hire a professional for structural solutions and crack repair.
To learn how NV Waterproofing can help you prevent and repair foundation cracks â and keep your home dry, healthy and safe â visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.
Disclaimer of Liability
The information in this blog is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal, engineering, architectural, professional or healthcare advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided âas is,â with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
