When to Worry About Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can be deceptive. Small cracks can escalate into significant problems, while large cracks might remain unchanged for years. However, paying attention to foundation cracks is crucial, as they can lead to severe damage if left unaddressed.
This page explains when to worry about foundation cracks, highlights the warning signs, and outlines ways to repair them.
When Should You Worry About Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks measuring wider than one-quarter of an inch on concrete block walls, or the exterior of your home requires attention. Horizontal cracks are particularly concerning, suggesting uneven settling and significant stress. Contact a foundation repair expert for an inspection to identify whether the cracks indicate a more severe underlying issue.
What Are the Signs of Foundation Damage?
If you’re unsure whether the cracks you’ve found need attention, look for these signs of foundation damage:
If you notice the signs of foundation damage in your home, contact a professional right away. Foundation damage worsens when neglected, costing more time and money in the long run.
Do All Foundation Cracks Need to Be Repaired?
Not all foundation cracks need to be repaired. However, it can be challenging to determine if a crack will lead to foundation damage just by looking at it. Foundation repair experts, like Groundworks, use professional benchmarking measures to assess the crack’s severity and determine whether they risk causing damage. Here are a few facts to know:
- Natural Foundation Sinking and Hairline Cracks: Some foundation sinking is typical, especially within the first three years after new home construction. Despite preventative efforts, soil naturally settles slightly under the structure’s weight, causing small hairline foundation cracks to form. Hairline cracks usually occur naturally as part of the concrete drying process and generally won’t cause issues, but they should still be monitored.
- Soil Movement and Foundation Cracks: Soil movement can lead to foundation settlement and cracks. Cracks caused by soil movement are more likely to require foundation repair. Your region’s soil conditions affect your foundation.
Remember that foundation cracks are unpredictable, and what occurs in one home may not happen the same way in another. Contact a foundation expert for an inspection to learn if your house requires repair.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
There are many reasons why foundation cracks develop. Here are the most common:
- Water Damage: Poor drainage, leaking pipes, and hydrostatic pressure can cause foundation cracks.
- Soil Movement: Expansive clay soil, erosion, and movement can cause cracks.
- Structural Issues: Poor construction practices, inadequate building materials, and excessive weight can cause foundation cracks.
- Tree Roots: Invasive tree roots growing near the foundation absorb moisture and exert pressure, causing cracks.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity in areas prone to earthquakes causes foundation cracks.
- Chemical Damage: Chemicals used in landscaping and construction materials can cause cracks.
How to Repair Foundation Cracks
The best solution for foundation cracks depends on many crucial factors, like the severity of the damage, accessibility, and soil conditions. Groundworks professionals recommend the following industry-leading foundation repair solutions:
Push Piers
Push piers are driven deep into the terrain until they reach bedrock. This nearly universal solution works with most soil types but is most often recommended for homes built on questionable soil. They stabilize and level your home, preventing foundation cracks.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are an excellent solution for sunken foundations that are lighter in weight, like porches and chimneys. These piers are installed deep into the ground and “screwed” into the earth. Helical piers permanently stabilize and potentially lift the foundation back to its original position.
Slab Piers
Slab piers are used strictly for homes built on a slab foundation. If a home with a slab foundation begins sinking, foundation repair professionals will use slab piers to stabilize and potentially lift the house back to its original position. This approach protects the interior walls and ensures the longevity of the structure.
Crawl Space Jacks
Sagging and uneven floors call for a sturdy solution. Crawl space support jacks reinforce problematic floor joists and lift floors back to level. They also prevent further sagging and settlement and can be easily adjusted.
Wall Anchors
Wall anchors may be recommended if you have noticed bowing basement walls due to hydrostatic pressure. These adjustable anchors restore the wall’s strength and position over time, preventing foundation cracks.
Steel I-Beams
Steel I-Beams are one of the most effective solutions. Our patented SettleStop IntelliBrace™ wall brace system stabilizes and straightens bowing foundation walls and prevents cracks.
Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcements
Carbon fiber wall reinforcements stabilize walls and prevent further movement and cracks. This is an excellent solution for homes with minimal perimeter space.
Contact Groundworks for Foundation Repair Solutions
Foundation cracks are concerning, but they don’t have to damage your home. When you notice the problem signs, take proactive measures to prevent further damage.
Contact your local Groundworks for a free inspection today to learn how to ensure your home’s health. Our professionals ensure long-term solutions you can trust.
Foundation Cracks FAQs
Homeowners 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 a multitude of problems that can become costly both in terms of money and health.
The cracks can become larger and more extensive, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire foundation. Other risks include water infiltration, mold growth, and pest intrusion.
All these issues can put your family’s safety in danger, as well as 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.
