Commonly found near points where pressure is exerted, like the doorways, window frames, and pipes are cracks in the foundation. On the exterior of your foundation, foundation cracks often show up too. With the many cracks and sizes, people may be confused when the cracks are serious. Today, we at DuraTech Texas would like to elaborate on the cracks.
Common Causes of Cracks in the Foundation
Faulty Construction or Maintenance. In order for it to remain strong and stable, it’s important to ensure that your foundation is properly built and maintained. Your foundation is left vulnerable to cracking due to poor construction or maintenance, which could the potentially lead to more serious issues if left unaddressed.
Extreme Settlement. Foundation cracks commonly form due to excessive settling. Excess settling can cause issues and is not a normal part of foundation settlement, though some settlement is normal for your home. For homes built on expansive clay soils that tend to absorb and retain large amounts of moisture, this is especially true.
Temperature Changes. Causing expansion and contraction in both the soil and foundation materials, temperature changes, from freezing to thawing and back again. Extreme heat or sun exposure causes cracking as well.
Tree Roots. Its roots may be pushing against your foundation, causing cracks if you have a tree planted too close to your home.
Shifting Soil / Earthquakes. Foundation cracks can develop from the soil around your home shifts due to heavy rainfall or drought. Also, those prone to seismic activity, earthquakes can cause foundation cracks.
Excessive Moisture in the Soil. Foundation cracks can occur due to too much moisture in the soil around your home can cause it to expand.
Vertical, Horizontal & Other Types of Foundation Cracks
Signs of a weakening structure and should be taken seriously are foundation cracks. All signs pointing to the source of the problem, cracks can vary in size, depth, location, and shape.
Horizontal Cracks. Due to soil movement or hydrostatic pressure, the thin horizontal cracks indicate settlement issues. In the basement, interior, or exterior walls of your home are places they show up.
V-Shaped Cracks. An improper joint between elements often causes wide V-shaped cracks. In the corners of your foundation walls is where these cracks are usually found.
Diagonal Cracks. These cracks need to be immediately addressed as the diagonal cracks indicate structural weakness in your foundation.
Vertical Cracks. If the concrete is too dry during curing and/or significant foundation movement from seismic activity or poor soil compaction, the vertical cracks are signs of possible shrinkage.
It’s important to have a professional inspect the area to determine why the cracks are occurring and see what needs to be done, homeowners should note that any type of crack in their house’s foundation could mean costly repairs.
How Do You Know if Foundation Cracks are Serious?
Not all foundation cracks indicate distress, though all foundation cracks can be a cause for concern. Minor settle cracks are to be expected with ordinary foundation movement that’s caused by seasonal changes in soil moisture. If your house exhibits signs of foundation shifting listed below, contact a professional.
– Foundation cracks frow wider
– Sticking windows and doors
– Cracking along the exterior wall and interior floor
– Stairs and slabs shift
– Leaning or bowing outward walls
Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
When you face foundation problems in Houston, TX, call in the experts of DuraTech Texas and let us assist you!