The first thing to consider is whether the cracks are serious or not. Diagonal and vertical cracks are signs of normal settling, and horizontal ones are signs of hydrostatic pressure. However, if the cracks are horizontal, they may be a sign of serious structural problems. To diagnose the problem, call a foundation contractor, and have him assess your foundation and house. He can also help you with a free estimate.
Cracks in your foundation are most serious if they are large and are located in an area where water can seep through the wall and create a wet environment. In addition, cracks in the basement or crawl space may cause mold growth. To prevent mold growth, try to divert water away from the foundation wall by removing foundation plantings and installing guttering. Alternatively, add soil along the foundation to create a slope away from the house. Get more questions answered here.
If you notice horizontal or stair-step cracks in your foundation, they are a sign that your foundation wall may be giving way. These cracks could indicate that the soil outside your home is saturated with water, putting pressure on your foundation wall. This type of hydrostatic pressure is a serious threat to the stability of your home and requires immediate repair. If you have noticed horizontal or stair-step cracks in the foundation, make sure to contact a professional immediately.
The cracks on your foundation should not be ignored. Even cosmetic ones may be treated with a chemical solution, such as hydraulic cement. But if the cracks are horizontal and long, they are serious. You should call a contractor as soon as possible to get them repaired. In most cases, if you notice that the cracks are widespread, they will be easier to fix than a single individual crack. In some cases, these problems are caused by geotechnical reasons, which require more expensive and complicated methods of repair.
If you notice foundation cracks, you should contact a professional right away. A homeowner must be aware that a crack on the foundation can be a sign of other structural issues. If the cracks are horizontal, they are not a serious problem. The other types of foundation cracks include those that are a few inches wide. The more significant ones maybe those that extend upwards. They may lead to damage to the walls of your home.
There are two kinds of foundation cracks. There are those that are severe and those that are not. If you see a horizontal one, you’re looking at a serious problem. The larger the cracks, the bigger the problem. Fortunately, foundations are made of steel and concrete. The cracks on the exterior will indicate heavy soil pressure. If the vertical cracks are horizontal, they will cause the foundation to become unstable and cause severe damage. Call Atlas Piers today for a free estimate. Next article.