Let's talk about those cracks in your foundation...

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Foundation cracks can still occur even if you’ve been diligent in your foundation leak detection and prevention measures. It doesn’t matter if you’ve maintained the perfect grade away from your foundation, installed a sump pump, and stayed on top of cleaning out your gutters. However, if you know the causes of foundation cracks, the signs to watch out for, and what goes into the repair of these cracks, you might be able to prevent unnecessary worry and panic.

In this blog we’re going to look at several different factors that can contribute to foundation damage, the types of cracks that can occur because of these factors, and the symptoms you should be looking out for that can mean a more serious problem.

If you’re seeing or have recently experienced:

  • loose soil

  • overly dry or wet soil

  • inadequate drainage

  • poor construction

  • earthquakes

  • frequent changes in temperature

  • flooding

…you could be at risk for foundation cracks. Flooding is the most common cause for foundation damage, and unfortunately there’s nothing you can do to prevent it or proactively waterproof yourself from it. All houses and foundations can succumb to structural issues from flooding.

So let’s say that you’ve experienced some of these factors and are now seeing some foundational cracks. Should you be worried? Let’s review the types of cracks you might be seeing.

Foundation cracks are divided into three broad categories:

  • Shrinkage: These types of cracks are generally found in houses with poured concrete

  • Horizontal: Soil or water pressure most often cause this type of crack

  • Settlement: This kind of cracks occur in most homes, but their size and location determine both severity and extent

Regardless of the types of cracks you’re seeing, a professional should almost always be called to successfully diagnose the problem and offer up solutions.

And although various symptoms of damage can indicate minor or serious issues, a little unevenness due to settling is not unusual. If you have found cracks in your foundation and you’re beginning to see any of the following, you should immediately contact a professional.

  • Bowing walls

  • Misaligned doors and windows

  • Sloping floors

  • Drywall cracks

  • Ceramic tile and brickwork cracks

Foundation cracks have the potential to pose a dangerous problem to you and your home. Both poured concrete and block foundations can develop cracks since concrete and mortar tend to shrink as they dry.

While monitoring crack width is the best way to avoid major repair works, you should carefully check every 90-degree corner in your house as this where cracks tend to originate. Use a ruler to measure the width, then recheck just to make sure you’ve measured accurately. If the crack widens at one end, it might be a sign of trouble. For safety concerns, you should get a professional to evaluate anything 1/2-inch or wider.

Let’s take a further look at the types of cracks you might be seeing:

Vertical Cracks

These are large cracks that are typically due to soil settlement. When soil settles, it can create additional pressure on a foundation wall, which often leads to cracking. With this type of crack, you typically see large amounts of water damage that must also be repaired.

Horizontal Cracks

With these cracks come some serious issues that are indicative of heavy soil pressure. When water-saturated soil puts pressure against walls from outside of the house, these walls will eventually bow, buckle, and even cave in extreme circumstances. We recommend immediate repair if these are found within your home.

Stair Step Cracks

These occur with concrete block foundation walls. When soil pressure or settlement occurs, the cracking along the mortar joints run throughout the wall and form a stair step pattern. These are indicative of a foundation problem that needs to be addressed.

Fortunately, some cracks are more aesthetic in nature and won't hurt if left untreated. Angular cracks often occur in the top 12-16 inches of brick walls laid directly on concrete foundations. Brick expansion during summer and the pushing of outer foundation corners can cause angular cracks. These tend to be harmless since they will most likely occur each year as the temperature rises.

In the upper levels of your house, cracks can appear above windows, doors, and archways. Although such cracks can be a sign of settlement, they are typically simple relief joints. The size of these cracks will most likely change with temperature variations. If you’re being proactive, you can, control these harmless eyesores by running a dehumidifier during summer and a humidifier in the winter.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page or Contact Us today for your free consultation.

Don’t spend another night worrying about those foundation cracks. Let Hydrofill KC provide you with peace of mind!

Jordan Olson