Concerned About Foundation Cracks? Everything Northeast New England Homeowners Need to Know
Quick exercise: take a look at the walls inside and outside your home. What do you see? Notice any cracks?
If you have a crack in your foundation, you might be wondering if it’s a big deal. The good news is that not all types of cracks are serious, but it’s helpful to know how to differentiate between them so you can take action if needed.
Foundation cracks are prevalent in Northeast New England because of problematic soil, heavy rainfall, and other factors. This guide will help you determine if your home is at risk, when to worry, and what to do next.
What Causes Foundation Cracks in Northeast New England?
A crack in your foundation can happen for various reasons, but soil and environmental conditions in our region are often contributing factors:
Soil Movement
Foundation cracks can develop when the soil beneath or around a home shifts or loses stability. Northeast New England is characterized by a mix of soil types, including sandy, loamy, silty, and gravel-based varieties. Although expansive clay soils—which expand when wet and contract during dry spells—are less common in this region, they can still contribute significantly to cracking when present.
Flooding
Our region is home to many rivers, streams, and other bodies of water that can overflow during periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt. When this happens, floodwater can saturate the soil surrounding nearby homes and cause foundation cracking.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by water against basement walls, and your foundation can crack from all this strain. Northeast New England has many areas with high water tables and unstable soils, increasing the risk of hydrostatic pressure.
Are There Different Types of Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks can be grouped into two main categories: Smaller, hairline cracks and larger, more extensive structural cracks.
Hairline Cracks
These cracks often appear in new properties as they settle. Because they are small, usually less than 1/16 of an inch wide, they might not be a major threat to a home. However, getting a foundation repair expert like Groundworks to check out a hairline crack is always a good idea, especially if it gets larger over time.
Structural Cracks
A foundation crack wider than 1/4 inch usually suggests a problem with your home’s structure, so you’ll want to take action as quickly as possible. If ignored, this type of crack can cause your foundation to sink or settle and, in the worst-case scenario, eventually collapse.
Larger cracks usually accompany other signs of foundation damage, such as:
If you’re not sure whether a crack in your foundation requires repair, contact the team at Groundworks. We’ll inspect your foundation for free and determine the root cause of the problem.
Remember, even if a crack looks small now, it doesn’t mean it can’t grow over time and cause long-lasting foundation damage.
What’s the Best Way to Repair a Cracked Foundation?
Tackling repairs on your home can feel like a lot to manage—we understand because we’re homeowners ourselves. But you don’t have to navigate it all on your own. Rather than relying on temporary DIY fixes, choose long-term foundation repair solutions that truly protect your home.
There are several ways foundation repair experts like Groundworks can help with this problem:
Foundation Piers
If your home suffers from foundation settlement, foundation piers offer permanent stability.
- Push Piers: For heavy foundations, we’ll drive push piers deep into more stable soil layers under your home, potentially lifting your foundation and preventing future cracks.
- Helical Piers: Perfect for lighter structures, helical piers may also potentially lift your foundation and help you avoid more cracks.
- Slab Piers: These are for slab foundations that have started to crack. Along with foundation protection, they improve stability while ensuring cracks don’t return.
Wall Repair Systems
Basement walls affected by hydrostatic pressure often require targeted repairs, including:
- Carbon Fiber Straps: Low-profile carbon fiber straps reinforce minimally cracking walls and prevent further cracking and movement.
- Wall Braces: Basement walls with more significant cracking and bowing can benefit from internal wall braces. These durable braces anchor to the floor and floor joist and can be adjusted for potential wall improvement.
- Wall Anchors: If space allows, wall anchor systems are another alternative to wall braces for permanently stabilizing and restoring walls with more than two inches of inward movement.
Crawl Space Supports
Crawl space jacks are designed to support and lift sagging floors that may contribute to or result from foundation cracks. By providing adjustable, steel reinforcement beneath weakened beams or joists, they restore structural integrity and prevent further movement. This added stability helps relieve stress on the foundation, minimizing the risk of additional cracking over time.
After a detailed assessment to identify the root of the issue, our experts recommend foundation repair options customized to your home’s unique situation. You’ll only receive suggestions for what’s truly necessary to keep your structure secure—we never push unnecessary work. And for added peace of mind, all of our installations come with full, transferable warranties.
Need Help Repairing a Cracked Foundation? Trust Groundworks
Not sure if a crack in your foundation may or may not be serious,? Don’t sweep it under the rug. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to get a professional to check it out. There’s no cost to do it, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Groundworks can determine the cause of foundation cracking and suggest solutions like push and helical piers to fix the problem. Serving most of New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northeast Massachusetts, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free foundation inspection and estimate.
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.
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