Why Do Foundations Crack?

Of all the issues that might happen to your home, a crack in the foundation is one of the most concerning. It is understandable given the nature of what it does and the cost of extensive foundation repair. However, not all cracks in the foundation are alike. Some are serious, but many are not so serious. What is important is understanding the difference.

Cracks in the foundation may have many causes, but there are three that really stand out.

• Settlement of the Foundation
• Hydrostatic Pressure
• Compression or Upheaval

It is why it pays to know when to engage in foundation repair and when to just keep an eye on a crack. What follows are some tips that will help you identify which cracks need immediate attention and which ones do not present a grave danger to your home.

Signs of Serious Issues

What follows is the signs that your home may be suffering from a serious issue with the foundation. If you see any one of these, you should call a professional for an inspection.

• Bowed exterior walls
• Walls that are pulling away from door and window frames
• Stair-step cracks in the brick or concrete
• Cracks that extend the length of the foundation
• Leaning walls in the basement, leaning chimneys, and sinking floors 

Keep in mind that while a small crack may not present a foundation issue. If the crack is larger than 1/64^th of an inch, that can allow termites to enter the home. This means that if you see small cracks of this nature, have a pest control expert do an inspection for termites.

Set Up Regular Inspections

In almost all cases, cracks in the foundation start off quite small and work their way open over time. This means if you catch them early, a foundation repair may be quite inexpensive. But you must see the crack first before it can be repaired.

You should set a time every six to twelve months to inspect the foundation after your initial inspection. This assumes that you have not seen any cracks. In addition, you should inspect after a flooding event or when you suspect that the foundation is settling.

Note any cracks you see, measure them, and keep the information in a journal or take a photo. When you conduct your next inspection, compare the crack to its previous condition. You should also carry a toothpick with you to measure the depth of the crack. Keep notes, so you can keep track of what is happening.

Cracks that are small and never expand are probably those you have little to worry about. You may want to seal it up if you feel that termites might get through. Otherwise, they are probably harmless. However, if the crack is expanding or you see one of the serious conditions listed above, it is time to get a call Everdry of Cincinnati for a professional inspection.

Catching small cracks before they become big ones can save you a considerably amount of money. A little time spent today doing the necessary inspection may prevent a major foundation repair in the future.  

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