Proactive Approach Key to Repairing Foundation Cracks
We assume a new home is fault-free from the rooftop to the foundation, yet a vertical foundation crack can appear right away in a recently built home. Older homes remain vulnerable to new cracks as well, fissures that can lead to serious and expensive repairs in the future. Homeowners can easily overlook foundation vulnerability, including horizontal and stair stepping cracks, however, a trained foundation repair expert can readily identify all types of cracks and provide the best course of action for their repair. To better understand the presence and maintenance of your foundation and, subsequently your home, here are three examples of vertical foundation cracks with corresponding solutions.
Hairline Vertical Foundation Crack
A hairline vertical crack is the first indication there may be a problem with your foundation. However, a hairline crack may also present little more than a cosmetic change, a natural process that reflects the moderate settlement of the home over time. It is natural for brick, concrete, and other materials to dry out and shrink over this period. These small cracks also result from frequent temperature changes, humidity levels, and soil moisture. Each of these elements may cause movement that ultimately results in small, or hairline, fractures.
Though easily considered an aesthetic issue, these cracks can also widen and may indicate early weakness in the foundation itself. Homeowners can often deter the appearance or separation of these cracks by conducting regular maintenance and inspections. All hairline cracks should be properly sealed to prevent water from entering the seams. Drainpipes and other gathering water should also be directed away from the home’s foundation.
A home’s grade should always be sloped in a manner that diverts water away, not towards the home. If a drainage system is required to facilitate this diversion, regular inspections are a must as a buildup and reversal of water can prove catastrophic to the home and homeowner’s budget. Of course, gutters and downspouts should also receive routine inspections and cleanings as they convey water away from the foundation.
Moderate Vertical Foundation Cracks
If neglected, hairline vertical cracks can quickly grow into moderate vertical cracks, a clear sign of structural weakness and significant potential damage. The crack often indicates the consequence of foundation settlement due to a movement of soils below the home. It’s impossible to see the settlement of the home or movement of soils, however, there are telltale signs that indicate the foundation’s weakened state.
Gaps can appear around windows and door openings. Separation may also be visible in wood trim and other moldings, as well as more pronounced separation between walls, ceilings, and floors. Exterior walls, especially in basements, may begin to bulge, bow, or shift out of proper alignment. In addition to moderate vertical cracks, other cracks may appear around the windows and door jams, as well as within brick, concrete, stone, block, and drywall on either the exterior or interior sides.
A moderate vertical foundation crack requires the immediate attention of the homeowner. Consulting a trusted foundation company to diagnose the issue and present applicable solutions will remove all mystery about the issue and possibly save significant money in repair. Carolina Foundation Solutions provides free inspections and subsequent consultations of any property. Lauded for expert customer service and technicians who respectfully educate every potential client about the specific issue and subsequent solution, the company designs a customized repair plan for each project.
Large Vertical Foundation Cracks
A large vertical crack can result from many factors, though it is most often the result of neglected cracks that have grown to cause serious structural issues that can result in a compromised foundation. In short, large vertical cracks can put the entire home structure at risk. Most often, these large fissures result from poor underlying soil conditions or soil that has been damaged over time due to several factors.
As indicated above poor drainage around the home’s footprint can result in a saturation of soil as well as a potential erosion of soil intended to support the foundation. Southeast soils are notorious for softening over time and can become dangerously unstable when saturated. These broken-down soils will often wash away from underneath the foundation as well. The unstable soil causes the foundation to resettle, developing vertical foundation cracks that can damage the entire home.
Several native soils remain more susceptible to excessive movement. Fluctuation in moisture content often exacerbates the soil’s weakness, especially where a high water table leads to swift and unrelenting saturation. The expansion and contraction of the soil’s composition further weaken the soil.
Unfortunately, not all builders analyze the soil properly before construction begins. This oversight is especially significant given the area’s reputation for poor soils and saturated water tables. New homeowners should always ask for a full test of existing soils. Cutting corners like not properly compacting soil and/or using poor quality fill material may also result in a weak foundation, cracking, and major repairs.
Taking a proactive approach and contacting a trusted expert like Carolina Foundation Solutions is the most effective, efficient, and economical approach to saving your foundation and, ultimately, your home. The highly-rated company specializes in providing permanent solutions including the installation of helical piers, to rectify a shifting and vulnerable foundation. Certified installers are experts in using helical piers, “hot-dipped galvanized steel pipes” that descend through the weaker soil to anchor to more stable strata below. Steel underpinning brackets are also utilized to further gird the foundation base. These brackets redistribute the structural load-bearing weight throughout the helical piers. These systems combine to support your home and prevent any further movement and damage.
A strong foundation means a strong home. The immediate inspection of hairline cracks before they widen to become troublesome is a critical first step in preserving the integrity of your home. For over 20 years Carolina Foundation Solutions have provided expert services for family homes in the Carolina region. Contact Carolina Foundation Solutions if you notice cracks in your foundation.