Diagnosing Cracks in The Building's Foundation
Building foundation cracks appear in a varied range of shapes and sizes. It is not rare for foundation cracks, particularly close to barriers, walls or flooring corners or in extended stretches of the foundation. Most of the reasons are the settlement of the foundation. Should cracks grow or water penetrate, please call an experienced construction contractor or fill out the cracks immediately before the damage worsens.
Whether you are concerned about foundation cracks, keep an eye on them to determine if they are growing in size. Simply mark and date the ends of each crack with a pencil. Within a short period of time, you will be able to determine if the crack is caused by natural settling or whether it suggests a more serious issue. Tracking them will also assist foundation repair professionals in assessing how they formed and the best method to repair them.
Vertical Cracks
A diagonal or vertical crack in the foundation wall is generally caused by settling in the concrete foundation. These gaps are known as shrinkage cracks because concrete shrinks as it cures. They often run vertically or diagonally, are generally seen in the middle of walls. Vertical cracks are commonly encountered in block foundations. If the crack is closer to a corner and broader than 1/8 in, it is most likely not caused by shrinking and suggests a more serious foundation problem. If your vertical foundation crack is bigger than 1/8 of an inch, have it inspected by a professional as it may be a cause for concern.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are frequently indicative of a more serious condition. They are caused by hydrostatic (water) pressure from the exterior of the walls and can result in foundation failure. The majority of foundations are built to withstand the pressures of water and soil. Additional pressure from heavy rainfall or flooding can cause severe horizontal cracks that must be corrected as soon as feasible.
Foundation Crack Repairs
Fortunately, most foundation problems can be fixed using underpinning and hydraulic lifting. A foundation may be regarded beyond repair if the cost of restoring it does not add enough value to the home. Though exceptionally rare, this can happen when a foundation has totally collapsed and the damage to the home is irreparable. The following are some of the most dangerous foundation problems that we have observed and should be treated as soon as possible before your foundation collapses and fails:
Vertical foundation cracks wider at the top than the bottom
Fitting a dime through a foundation crack
Cracks that change direction
Sloping and weak floors above the foundation
Bulging walls due to water or soil pressure
If you notice any of these indications on your property, you should contact a professional building repair contractor as soon as possible. The foundation of the structure may be in danger of collapsing.