Foundation Crack Repair
Do you have cracks in your foundation walls or drywall?
There are several different types of cracks that appear on foundation walls, floors, drywall, and brick veneers. The different types of cracks and the location where they appear can help a homeowner determine the severity of a foundation problem and its potential need for repair. If you have found a crack, contact us today for a free inspection and foundation repair quote.
Most cracks can be classified as either shrinkage cracks or structural cracks. Shrinkage cracks appear in poured concrete shortly after the concrete is poured. These cracks are due to shrinkage as moisture evaporates during the curing process of the concrete. Most shrinkage cracks are only a concern if water penetrates them and invites water into the living area of the house. These cracks can be sealed to prevent water seepage.
Structural cracks appear due to unexpected forces putting pressure where there shouldn’t be any pressure. Some structural cracks are a sign of significant damage while others serve as a warning for potential damage in the future.
Knowing the difference between a shrinkage crack and a structural crack can be difficult and is the first step in determining a foundation problem.
Cracks in Foundation Walls
Cracks in foundation walls, whether poured concrete or concrete block, are very common in Nebraska and Iowa, as well as the rest of the Midwest. These types of cracks are most commonly associated with a settling foundation or a bowing basement wall.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are usually a sign of structural settlement on all types of foundations. As these problems progress, the cracks will usually become wider at the top than at the bottom. This problem is fixable, but it is important to catch it before it progresses too far.
Horizontal Cracks
When the cracks are horizontal, in most cases it is due to pressure from the soil outside putting pressure on the walls. This is especially common in areas with expansive clay soil. The soil expands when it gets wet, and it shrinks when it dries. This repeated action eventually puts enough pressure on the wall that it begins to bow. Concrete block walls have weak resistance to lateral pressure and can bow fairly easily. It is important to keep gutters in good working order, downspouts extended away from the foundation, and the grade of the soil around the house pitched away. Structures that already have horizontal cracks should be inspected by a professional. Often the expense of fixing the problem is much less in the early stages than after the problem progresses.
Stair-Step Cracks
When problems progress, stair-step cracking occurs. This can happen on foundations due to pressure from the soil outside or due to settling of the footings. A bowing wall will usually stairstep if a horizontal crack has been ignored. If the stair-step crack has a wider gap on the horizontal portions of the crack than on the vertical portions, it is more likely that the problem is a settling foundation. This is also true for stair-step cracks that occur on brick veneers on the outside of the home.
Diagonal Cracks
When pressure from exterior soil pushes on a poured concrete foundation wall it is most common that the wall will crack diagonally from the center of the wall up and out toward the corners. This is because a poured concrete wall is stronger than concrete block and won’t bow as easily. Instead, a poured concrete wall will usually begin to tip in at the top, causing the cracks.
Drywall Cracks
Cracks in drywall can also be shrinkage cracks or structural cracks. Cracks that appear shortly after the drywall is hung, taped, and mudded are often due to shrinkage from the moisture in the mud evaporating. These cracks are usually small and less likely if the drywall is taped and mudded by a professional.
Structural defects can also cause cracks in drywall. As a foundation settles or the foundation walls are pushed in, the natural result is added pressure to the interior finishes. This damage is often seen in upper floors of the home, as well as the basement. It is especially common for drywall cracks to appear near the corners of doors and windows. As the foundation settles it causes the doors on the floor above to rotate out of square. This action puts pressure on the drywall which, in turn, causes the crack.
It is important to remember that all cracks start out small, but many will eventually get big. It is wise to deal with them early to keep the cost of fixing the problem down. The representatives at Thrasher Basement Systems are trained to know the difference between all types of cracks and determine the best solution for each customer. This ensures the best repair option at an affordable cost.
Contact us today for a free estimate on foundation crack repair!
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