Are Hairline Cracks in Foundation Normal in Richmond, TX? How Much Cracking is Acceptable? Should I Be Worried?

If you were recently replacing your home’s flooring, perhaps for the first time you got a good look at the foundation only to discover hairline cracks. If you are concerned about these cracks, your concerns may be valid. Anytime there is a problem with the home’s foundation, you should be concerned. The foundation supports the entire home. If the home’s support structure has a problem it can have a major effect on the health of the entire home. DuraTech Texas will share what hairline cracks mean for the future of your home’s health.

What is Considered a Hairline Crack & Why Do Cracks Appear in Concrete?

Perhaps you have seen hairline cracks in your foundation already. These cracks will often from when the seasons transition from a rainy season to a dry season. Hairline cracks may be small even as thin as a strand of hair. However, they may be a sign of a much bigger problem. Hairline cracks form due to the seasonal changes which are also changing the soil underneath the foundation. As the soil changes, it puts stress on the foundation. Cracks are the first sign of the stress. Not only is the foundation under stress, but those tiny cracks can also allow ants, termites and moisture to seep into the cracks and can come up into your home, damaging the new flooring. Cracks themselves can be a major problem. The cracks will need to be repaired properly to prevent pests and moisture from entering into the home. However, the cracks aren’t the only concern. You also need to find out why the cracks have formed. The soil or dirt pad that supports the foundation can contract when it becomes dry and expand during times of rain. The constant changing of the soil can cause the foundation to begin to break down when it is no longer being properly supported. If the soil isn’t supporting the foundation, this can lead to bigger problems. When you see small hairline cracks, you will want to get the cracks repaired, but above all you will want to discover the source of the foundation’s stress.

How Do You Inspect Foundation Cracks?

When you discover hairline cracks, you might fill those cracks yourself and assume everything is fine. However, hairline cracks often are early warning signs that the foundation is having problems. Having the foundation inspected by a professional foundation repair contractor will provide you with the peace of mind that your foundation condition is known. If there is a problem detected you can have your foundation repaired before much bigger problems develop. The foundation will need those cracks repaired. Depending on what the problem with the foundation is, the repairs will vary from simple crack repairs to needing a major support system installed underneath the foundation. The inspection will reveal the foundation’s needs. The professional foundation repair contractor will be able to determine the need of your home’s foundation.

Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

When you discover hairline cracks in your foundation, the health of the foundation and the home is compromised. As soon as cracks form you will want to have the foundation inspected and the foundation receive the proper repairs. For quality foundation repair services, contact DuraTech Texas today.