Your foundation forms the base of your home, so finding cracks in it can be terrifying. However, even the most structurally sound homes may see cracks in their foundations or walls when enough time has passed. Cracks usually signify foundation settlement, and the moment you see a crack, you’ll want to have a professional inspect it right away. If you leave it alone for too long, it will eventually lead to severe foundation damage that will be costly to remedy.
The good news is that preventing the common causes of foundation cracks will lengthen your foundation’s lifespan and prevent it from getting damaged.
Here are the top causes of foundation cracks:
- Excessive Moisture
Water is the most prominent cause of foundation woes. Too much moisture causes the soil beneath your foundation to expand, making it push against your foundation. When water leaks into your home, it damages the structural materials, making them rot, swell, and weaken. As a result, your walls will crack, crumble, or grow mold, requiring you to seek mold removal on top of looking for a professional to repair the structural damage.
- Foundation Settling
Foundation settlement occurs when the soil underneath your foundation can no longer support the weight of your home due to its own instability. When it shifts, your foundation moves with it, too. Typically, homes are constructed with an inch of allowance of soil movement, though some areas mandate the house to have four inches of allowance.
Tree roots and leaks in your basement can also lead to settlement cracks, causing gaps between the floors, walls, or ceiling. When you see these gaps, be sure to contact a professional right away before the problem worsens.
- Plumbing Problems
Plumbing issues lead to leakage and water damage. As mentioned in the earlier points, water is bad news for your foundation. Have your pipes inspected to ensure they’re tight, secure, and free of damage and to certify that they aren’t leaking. You may also want to invest in basement waterproofing or a sump pump to protect your basement from water damage.
- Too Much Heat
Concrete cracks under extreme heat since it expands then shrinks to its original position when it is cooler. Dry heat also makes the soil around your foundation draw back from the concrete, resulting in gaps in your foundation.
- Frost Heave
Similarly, cracks in your foundation can also occur due to extreme cold, a phenomenon known as frost heave. During the winter season, soil freezes and thaws, expanding and moving underneath your foundation. The movement causes the concrete to shift as well, resulting in cracks.
Protect Your Foundation
It can be frightening to see cracks in your walls and foundation. The good news is that you can prevent these from progressing by contacting a professional right away, who will identify the source of the problem and remedy it. It also helps to know the common causes of foundation cracks, as you can take steps to protect your home and keep your foundation intact and free of damage.
About Advanced Basement Waterproofing
Advanced Basement Waterproofing are the experts in basement waterproofing, foundation sealing, crack repair, mold removal and remediation, and French drain installation. We know how excessive moisture can wreak havoc on your home, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to various services that make these water woes a thing of the past.
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