The Foundation Crack Repair Guide
Foundation cracks are often a sign that something’s wrong with your property. Knowing what caused the cracks and how to fix them can avoid further damage and preserve your home’s worth. Learn more below.
Should You Worry About Foundation Cracks?
Large, deep foundation cracks indicate structural instability in your home. However, smaller ones can also be a problem and allow water, debris, or pests to enter your property. That’s why fixing and sealing cracks as soon as you notice them is a good idea.
Groundworks has various foundation repair solutions for cracks in your home, including:
- Push piers
- Helical piers
- Slab piers
- Drilled concrete piers
Types Of Foundation Cracks and Solutions
There are several kinds of cracks that you might find in your property, including:
Vertical Cracks
These cracks are common in foundations and are not always a sign of structural instability. They run up and down the walls or sides of a foundation. Hydrostatic pressure from excess water in your soil might push against your foundation, causing wider vertical cracks. Carbon fiber reinforcement can be helpful for smaller interior wall cracks and walls with less than two inches of inward movement. Foundation piers address settling walls like the one pictured here.
Diagonal Cracks
Differential settlement, which happens when parts of your foundation settle at different rates, might cause diagonal cracks. In more severe cases, we can install piers to potentially lift settled parts of your foundation. Slab piers work well for slab-on-grade foundations, while helical or resistance piers are best for other foundation types.
Horizontal Cracks
These are the most serious cracks because they suggest soil movement from temperature fluctuations or hydrostatic pressure. We can fix them by straightening bowed and damaged foundation walls with wall braces or wall anchors.
Stair-step Cracks
Foundation sinking and settlement are the most common reasons for stair-step cracks. Similar to diagonal cracks, your home can benefit from helical or push pier installation if significant stair-step cracking is present.
When Should You Contact a Foundation Repair Specialist?
Some cracks are just cosmetic and don’t need your immediate attention. However, consider reaching out to a foundation repair expert if you notice any of the following:
- Cracks wider than 1/10 inch
- Cracks that are wider at one end
- Cracks that are expanding in size
- Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry
- Any horizontal foundation crack, with or without bowing
- Several vertical cracks next to one another
- Large, diagonal cracks
- Cracks that run across the ceiling and down a wall
Groundworks has solutions for any crack you find in your home. Our custom-engineered foundation repair products restore your house to its original condition and prevent more expensive fixes in the future. Contact our team today for a free inspection.
Foundation Crack FAQs
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.
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.
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.
