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At some point after building or buying a home, you will see cracks in the foundation wall. Your initial reaction will be panic, with doomsday thinking of your house falling down around you. But there’s no need to panic just yet!
In general, foundation cracks are an extremely common experience for homeowners. But are the cracks normal or do you need to think about foundation crack repair? Find out how to tell if a crack in the foundation wall is normal or worrisome.
What Causes Foundation Wall Cracks
Foundation wall cracks are common, but what causes them? As buildings age, the soil beneath the foundation can shift, creating cracks. While the foundation itself may be strong, the ground underneath it will undergo many changes that can affect the foundation.
What visible changes will occur due to the environmental shifts?
- Foundation moving downward.
- Foundation moving upward.
- Foundation walls rotate in or out.
- Founding bulging out of walls.
Changes in the soil are often due to the presence of water. Experts suggest downspouts, which drain water from around your home, be placed at least 5 feet away from the building’s foundation.
Otherwise, you run the risk of the drainage weakening the foundation, resulting in expensive repairs to the foundation.
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Different Types of Foundation Cracks
Not all foundation wall cracks are something to worry about. The crack’s location, length, and activity can often tell if it’s a serious problem or something to keep an eye on.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical foundation cracks appear in an upward or downward pattern. These are the most common and least concerning cracks. Newly constructed buildings often see vertical cracks within a few years due to the foundation settling.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal foundation cracks appear from right to left patterns These cracks are more serious and can indicate a significant problem in the foundation walls. Horizontal cracks are often related to too much water pressure in the soil, particularly during heavy storms.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline foundation cracks are typically cosmetic issues stemming from the concrete mix used when building. Hairline cracks are also known as shrinkage cracks and should be monitored but aren’t an immediate threat.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal foundation cracks are a potential hazard that should be regularly measured for changes. The diagonal cracks run from corner to corner, indicating an uneven foundation. These are often found in houses built on hills.
When to Fix Them
Foundation wall cracks can be merely an eyesore or hint at a more serious problem developing. For older homes, researching the building history can reveal possible causes for the foundation cracks. What are some of the tell-tale signs that the crack is a potential issue?
- Water seeps through the crack.
- The door and windows don’t fit frames.
- Crack measures more than ¼ inch wide.
- Wall crack rapidly grows.
Water leaking out of the crack may indicate that poor drainage is causing the foundation to shift. A shift in the foundation often creates issues with the doors or windows closing correctly.
There are many options for repairing foundation wall cracks, but ignoring the crack isn’t one of them. Delaying the repairs will not only cost you money but possibly endanger those living in the home.
