Foundation Cracks: Knowing When to Worry and When to Relax
So, you’ve seen a crack in your home’s foundation and you’re wondering, “is a crack in the foundation bad”? While foundation cracks can look scary, they don’t necessarily mean your house is falling apart. Let’s explore different types of foundation cracks, what exactly causes them, and when you need to take action.
Do All Foundation Cracks Need Repair?
Cracks in foundations develop for a variety of reasons. Some occur due to natural settling, while others indicate serious foundation issues. Foundation repair experts use professional benchmarking measures to evaluate the crack severity and determine whether there’s a real risk of damage. Here’s what you should know:
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are small and often appear in new homes as they settle. These cracks are usually less than 1/16 of an inch wide and may not pose a significant threat. However, it’s important to monitor them. If they grow larger or widen over time, they could become a problem.
Major Foundation Cracks
Larger cracks, particularly those wider than 1/4 inch, may indicate serious foundation movement. If these cracks continue to expand or appear alongside other warning signs—like sticking doors and windows, sloping floors, or gaps in walls—professional evaluation is needed.
Pay Attention to All Foundation Cracks
Something to keep in mind: even if a foundation crack looks small, you should never just ignore it. Always keep an eye on hairline cracks for signs of growth or movement. If cracks do get bigger, call a professional!
When Should You Worry About Foundation Cracks?
Cracks wider than one-quarter inch on concrete block walls or your home’s exterior need attention. Horizontal cracks are especially concerning, as they may indicate uneven settling and structural stress.
Because foundation cracks vary by home, a professional inspection is the best way to determine if repairs are really necessary. Plus, an inspection will provide that peace of mind we mentioned earlier.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Several factors contribute to foundation cracks, including:
- Water Damage: Poor drainage, leaking pipes, and hydrostatic pressure can cause foundation cracks.
- Soil Movement: Expansive clay soil, erosion, and movement can lead to settlement and cracking.
- Structural Issues – Poor construction materials or structural reinforcement can cause a cracked foundation.
- Tree Roots – Large roots near the foundation absorb moisture and exert pressure, leading to cracks.
- Earthquakes – Seismic activity can create structural shifts and cracks.
- Chemical Damage – Landscaping chemicals and construction materials can deteriorate the foundation over time.
When to Worry: Signs That Foundation Cracks Are Serious
If you’re unsure whether the cracks in foundation sections require attention, look for these warning signs:
Foundation damage doesn’t improve on its own, and it’s not always obvious. Addressing the early warning signs helps keep your home and family safe and prevents costly repairs in the future.
How to Repair Foundation Cracks and Other Damage
Depending on the severity and cause of the cracked foundation, different repair methods may be used. Professionals use the following techniques when fixing foundation cracks:
Push Piers
Push piers are driven deep into the stable soil layers. They help stabilize and potentially re-level your foundation while significantly reducing the risk of future cracks.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are ideal for lighter sunken structures like porches and chimneys. These piers are screwed deep into the ground, permanently stabilizing and potentially lifting the foundation while reducing the risk of future cracks.
Concrete Slab Piers
Slab piers are used exclusively for slab foundations, providing support and potential lifting. They protect the interior walls and ensure structural longevity while preventing cracks in foundation sections.
Crawl Space Jacks
Sagging and uneven floors require a sturdy solution. Crawl space support jacks reinforce problematic joists, returning floors to level. They also prevent further sagging and settlement with a unique adjustable feature.
Wall Anchors
Wall anchors help stabilize bowing walls caused by hydrostatic pressure, preventing further damage and foundation cracks. While some improvement in the wall’s position may occur over time, the primary goal is to prevent further deterioration and restore structural integrity.
Steel I-Beams
Steel I-beams are one of the most effective solutions for stabilizing and straightening foundation walls. They are positioned vertically along foundation walls and fastened with brackets at both the top and bottom to reinforce structural stability.
Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcements
Carbon fiber wall reinforcements stabilize foundation walls and prevent further movement and cracks. This is an excellent solution for homes with minimal perimeter space, as the thin, high-strength material adheres directly to the wall without requiring additional room.
How to Prevent Foundation Cracks
Preventing a cracked foundation starts with proper drainage. Here’s how you can protect your home:
- Grade your yard and landscape correctly to direct water away from the foundation.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean to prevent water buildup.
- Install downspout extensions to carry water further from your home.
- Use interior and exterior drain tile systems for better water management.
- Consider waterproofing and encapsulation methods for additional protection against moisture.
Implementing protective measures helps prevent foundation cracks and other damage that require more extensive repairs.
Contact Groundworks for Foundation Repair Solutions
If you’re concerned about foundation cracks in your home, it’s best to get a professional inspection. Groundworks provides expert foundation repair services, helping homeowners across the country secure their homes and prevent further damage.
If you notice warning signs, contact Groundworks for a free foundation inspection. Our trusted local professionals provide honest, budget-friendly solutions to homeowners just like you.
Foundation Cracks FAQs
Homeowner’s insurance usually does not cover foundation repair. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn the details of your policy. Factors such as the age, type, and location of the foundation will influence whether your home is eligible for coverage. Groundworks offers affordable financing options. Contact us to learn more.
Ignoring foundation cracks can lead to various problems that can become costly both in terms of money and health. The cracks can become more extensive, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire foundation. Other risks include water infiltration, mold growth, and pest intrusion. All these issues can endanger your family’s safety and decrease the overall value of your home.
If there is a hairline crack – also known as dormant or shrinkage cracks – in your foundation wall or concrete, it usually is harmless. These cracks typically form within the first two years after your house is built and it naturally settles into place. However, when you see significant cracking like large, spreading cracks, this is a bigger issue that needs to be addressed by foundation repair professionals.
