A concrete slab foundation can develop cracks that can compromise the integrity of the entire home. When cracks develop in the foundation, it is important to have the foundation inspected by a professional foundation repair contractor to determine the longevity of the foundation. What many people do not know is that there are different types of cracks, and each cracks can tell the inspector what is going wrong. Duratech Texas would like to share the different types of concrete slab foundation cracks and what they mean for your home’s foundation.
Settlement Cracks
Settlement cracks develop when the aggregated soil that is underneath the foundation begins to settle or erode. Where settling is normal to a certain degree, too much settling will cause the foundation to crack. When the soil erodes underneath the foundation, it also causes stress on the foundation which will lead to cracks. Tree roots can also stress out the foundation in a similar way and also cause settlement cracks.
Heaving Cracks
Heaving cracks occur when there is a lot of pressure on the foundation’s structure. Heaving can be caused when the soil swells which puts pressure from underneath the foundation. A heaving crack pushes upward, creating a peak right through the foundation.
Plastic Shrinkage Cracks
A plastic shrinkage crack is when the foundation was exposed to water and the moisture did not dry evenly. Another cause for plastic shrinkage cracks is when the surface dries out too rapidly. Often plastic shrinkage cracks occur along the porch and spider outwards. To prevent plastic shrinkage cracks, you may need to get the surface wet to help maintain even drying and moisture levels in the concrete.
Pressure Cracks
When a foundation is supporting too much weight, fine cracks will often develop on the surface. Pressure cracks is not common for a foundation but can sometimes occur. The weight of the overall home should be calculated and the foundation designed and reinforced to hold the weight of the home. Often pressure cracks are the result of poor construction of the foundation.
Crusting Cracks
Crusting cracks develop on concrete slabs when there has been manipulation and shaping of the concrete. Along with shaping the concrete, uneven drying of the concrete will cause fissures to form. Crusting cracks look like crazy cracking and crust fissures. Luckily, this is a minor problem and often doesn’t require much repair.
Crazing Cracks
Crazy cracks are when there are tiny fissure that occurred very quickly on the concrete’s surface. Crazy cracks occur when the concrete dried very fast leaving minor defects in the concrete. Often crazy cracks look like spider web patterns. Like crusting cracks, crazy cracks do not pose a major threat to the integrity of the foundation. If need to, you can seal the cracks if they are deep enough.
Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
A professional foundation repair contractor will be able to come to your home and inspect your foundation. They will be able to look at the cracks and determine if your foundation is in need of repair and what will need to be done to restore your home. For foundation inspections and repair, contact Duratech Texas today.