Why Is My Foundation Cracking?

Foundation cracks aren’t always a cause for concern. However, cracks that are wide, horizontal, or grow larger over time could indicate a structural issue that you need to fix.
But what causes your foundation to crack in the first place? Learn the causes of foundation cracks and why homes in Salt Lake City are susceptible to this type of damage.
Soil Movement
Soil movement, one of the top reasons for a cracked foundation, can happen in various ways. For example, clay soils, common in Salt Lake City, swell when they get wet and shrink when dry. This constant movement may lead to foundation cracks.
Frost heave is another type of soil movement. It occurs when water in soil freezes and expands, which might push the soil upward and cause cracks in a foundation. While frost heave isn’t as common in Salt Lake City as in other areas of the country, it can still happen.
Seismic Activity
Earthquakes and other seismic activity cause ground movement, potentially leading to foundation cracks over time. Even small earthquakes might damage this part of your home.
The Salt Lake City metro area experiences lots of seismic activity because of its location along the Wasatch fault. This means your foundation could be at risk of cracking if you don’t protect your property.
Termites
Termites are active throughout Utah, with the subterranean termite being the most common species. They consume wood and break it down to feed their colonies, making older homes with wooden foundations vulnerable to damage. When termites eat away at wood, they can damage the material and cause cracks.
A local pest control expert will help you remove termites from your home. You’ll then want to work with a foundation repair professional like Groundworks to reverse any damage caused by these creatures.
Tree Roots
Some trees in Salt Lake County, such as the silver maple and willow tree, have extensive root systems that can grow too close to your foundation and cause it to crack. Expanding tree roots may also make existing foundation cracks worse.
Trees with large root systems can jeopardize other concrete structures on your property, such as patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
Bad Construction
Sometimes, the contractor that built your foundation might be to blame for cracks. Insufficient foundation reinforcement, poor-quality materials, or mistakes made during construction can all threaten your foundation’s stability, resulting in cracks.
How To Fix Foundation Cracks
The right repair solution for foundation cracks depends on factors such as the severity of damage and underlying soil conditions. Groundworks offers various foundation repair solutions that help you address this problem, including:

- Push Piers: We can drive push piers deep into the ground under your foundation until they reach bedrock, helping to stabilize your home and prevent cracks.
- Helical piers: This solution potentially lifts your foundation back to its original position, avoiding further damage. Our team can screw helical piers into the ground beneath your home.
- Crawl space jacks: Crawl space jacks restore damaged floor joists and lift crawl space floors, which might stop your foundation from settling further and cracking.
- Wall anchors: If you have a bowing basement wall, wall anchors are a good solution. They strengthen the wall and prevent additional movement, reducing the chances of cracking.
Repair Foundation Cracks With Groundworks

It’s perfectly normal for foundations to crack over time due to wear and tear. However, large and growing cracks indicate a problem you’ll want to address immediately. Groundworks can inspect your foundation and determine whether you need repair solutions like piers and wall anchors. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Foundation Cracking FAQs
Yes, areas with expansive clay soils, high water tables, or poor drainage systems are more prone to foundation settlement issues.
In severe cases, yes. Horizontal cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure or expansive soil can weaken the wall’s stability.
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.