The Dangers of Foundation Cracks and What to Look for to Identify Them
Foundation cracks are a common problem for homeowners and industrial buildings. They are also one of the most critical issues in your home, as they can lead to an entire house collapsing. Homeowners need to be aware of the signs of foundation cracks, what they mean for their homes, and how to avoid them.
Foundation cracks are one of the most common foundation problems. It is important to note that these cracks do not need to be large to cause major structural damage.
Additional Issues that Cause Foundation Cracks
1) Foundation leaks: Foundation cracks can lead to foundation leaks. This will not only cause damage to the walls and floor of the home and any other part of the house as water is dripping down from ceilings and walls.
2) Sagging floors: A foundation crack may cause a sagging floor because the house starts to settle unevenly or lean one way or another. You can solve this problem by pouring new concrete over the old concrete and ensuring it is level with the ground around it.
3) Foundation settlement: As a foundation settles, it can allow things inside to shift out of position. This will lead to ceilings that are sloping
4) The foundation may be exposed: Foundation cracks can cause the foundation to be exposed to the ground, leading to water seeping through the crack and causing damage to the structure’s support. This can weaken it and make it more vulnerable to collapse.
How to Identify Foundation Cracks
A foundation crack is a gap in the foundation of a building caused by settlement, shrinkage, or other movements. It usually occurs near the base of the structure, beneath the surface. Foundation cracks allow water to seep through and can lead to dampness or structural damage that will require repairs.
The National Association of Home Builders reports that nearly 10% of new homebuyers claim to have had a problem with their home’s foundation before they moved in. Once a house starts developing these cracks, it is only a matter of time before problems arise.
The severity and location of these cracks will determine how much water can make it into your home, but experts agree that if these cracks are left unchecked, you should address them immediately.
What Causes Foundation Cracks? 3 Reasons Why Your Home Needs Repair
The issue with foundation cracks is that they can go unnoticed for a long time while the building starts to deteriorate. Some foundation cracks are not visible on the surface and can be detected only by ultrasound or ground-penetrating radar inspections.
Some of the most common warning signs that your home may have foundation problems are sagging floors, doors, windows, walls separating from each other, cracking plaster, ceilings collapsing, and bulging exterior walls.
Foundation Cracks can lead to serious and even dangerous structural problems, which is why it’s crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible.
The 3 causes of foundation cracks are bad construction, soil settlement, water seepage, soil erosion, and frost heat.
1) Bad Construction: Construction may have been improperly completed or without proper oversight, leading to foundation cracks developing over time.
2) Soil Settlement: The ground beneath the foundation will settle over time which may cause any foundation crack to appear on the surface level.
3) Water Seepage: Water seeping through the foundation cracks will gradually widen them over time until they reach structural failure
What Should You Do If You Found A Crack In Your Property’s Foundation?
Reach out to our team here at Capital Industries to learn more about how we can help you purchase the industry’s best concrete floor repair products. We are glad to answer all of your questions. We also help you with questions on how to apply your floor repair products. We’re here when you need us. Reach us at (631) 298-6300. We are looking forward to speaking with you soon!
Capital Industries, Inc. is a leading supplier of commercial and industrial concrete repair products. For over 30 years, we have proudly serviced contractors, factories, warehouses and distribution centers for industrial, institutional and commercial customers. We carry a full range of concrete repair materials, including those specifically designed for low temperature areas such as freezers and coolers. Our floor repair products are rapid hardening, allowing you to reopen repaired areas with minimal downtime. All of our products are designed to be used by in-house maintenance personnel and come with an ironclad 100% guarantee of satisfaction.