Foundations form the basis of any home’s structure and it’s essential that they are kept in good condition. One common sign of foundation problems is cracking, but how do you know when a crack is serious and requires attention? In this blog, we’ll discuss when homeowners should worry about foundation cracks and what action to take if they think their foundation is damaged.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks can be caused by many different factors, including freezing temperatures, age, ground movement or settling, tree roots growing too close to the home, or plumbing leaks. It’s important for homeowners to understand what kind of damage could be causing the crack in order to decide if repairs are necessary. Some causes may require immediate action while others may just need monitoring over time.
When Should I Worry About Foundation Cracks?
While some foundation cracks are normal and do not require repair, other types of cracks can indicate larger problems with your home’s foundation. If you have a horizontal crack that extends across multiple blocks or bricks of your foundation wall, this could indicate settlement issues such as soil erosion or improper drainage around your home. If you have a vertical crack that begins at the top of your wall and extends downward it could be indicative of excessive pressure on one side of the wall due to poor backfill or hydrostatic pressure from excess water in the soil around your home. Finally, if you see jagged or stepped cracks these may be indicative of freeze-thaw cycles which occur when water expands as it freezes inside masonry walls during cold weather months.
What Can I Do About Foundation Cracks?
If you suspect that you have a more serious problem with your foundation such as those mentioned above, then it is recommended that you contact a professional to come out and assess the situation further. A trained foundation crack expert will be able to determine whether repairs are needed and provide an estimate for those repairs so that you can make an informed decision about how best to address any issues with your home’s foundation.
Foundation cracks can cause major structural damage if left unaddressed for too long, so it is important for homeowners to stay vigilant when it comes to their home's foundations. While some cracks may be normal and not require repair, other types such as horizontal cracking across multiple blocks/bricks or vertical cracking from top down can indicate underlying issues which require immediate attention from a professional. If you suspect a problem with your foundation, then contact a qualified company right away in order to ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly before they worsen over time.