Foundations suffer serious structural damage due to a variety of soil-related problems, the most common of which is water. An excess of water from broken or leaking underground pipes, pooling water, or poor drainage erodes or expands the soil, while an absence of water from the transpiration of tree roots causes the soil to shrink.
Other causes of foundational issues include improperly consolidated soil under the building or badly built foundations. All of these conditions are negative because they rarely influence the soil beneath a foundation in a uniform manner. Instead, they usually affect only one section of your foundation, and the fact that the affected area is small means that the resulting problems are big.
Any minor foundational shifting can cause major structural damage and put the entire building at risk. When your building needs a solid foundation to survive, these threats of signification destruction are the last things you want to face.
What causes foundation cracks?
Foundation cracks are often found around weak points like corners, window frames, doorways and pipes as well as the exterior of your foundation. There are multiple causes for these cracks. Here are the most common ones.
Soil moisture levels. When your yard is saturated, the soil around your home's foundation exerts pressure, causing it to crack. When there isn't enough moisture in the soil, it shrinks, creating a gap that allows your foundation to shift and crack.
Temperature changes. When the temperature changes between freezing and thawing, concrete expands and contracts, leading to foundation cracks. Extreme heat and sun exposure also cause cracking.
Settlement. Once your home is filled with furniture and other items, the ground beneath the foundation may settle due to the compressive load and varying soil density. This uneven sinking may trigger cracking.
Earthquakes. When the ground moves, your foundation shifts, causing it to weaken and crack. Even small earthquakes can threaten your home's stability.
Why are they a problem?
Foundation cracks are not only an eyesore, they can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Even small cracks can turn into big problems over time. These are the most common problems caused by foundation cracks.
Leaks that lead to flooding and water damage.
Structural issues and a weak foundation.
Uneven floors.
Doors and windows that won't open or close.
Damage to pipes and plumbing.
Insect infestation.
How to fix foundation cracks
It's best to hire a professional when dealing with structural issues. You want to ensure the problem is repaired properly to prevent further damage. Professionals tailor interior and exterior solutions to your home.
Interior solutions use hydraulic cement or a polyurethane injection to fill any type of interior wall crack. This injection fills from the interior to the exterior and into any additional cracks that may not be apparent.
Exterior solutions are highly effective for poured concrete foundation walls. Professionals will excavate a trench, exposing the foundation. They will then repair or replace any damaged cement and seal any cracks using hydraulic cement.
Foundation cracks are worrisome and should be taken seriously. Awareness and preventative measures can help you avoid extensive damage and expensive repair costs. If you have foundation cracks, hire a professional for structural solutions and crack repair.
To learn how Superior Foundation Repair can help you prevent and repair foundation cracks and keep your home dry, healthy and safe visit sfrutah.com or call 435-668-0734.