How do you know how to repair cracks in foundation walls?
If you Google the phrase “How to repair cracks in concrete foundation walls” you will find numerous DIY videos and articles explaining how to fix your foundation cracks. Maybe what you should Google is “When should I be worried about foundation cracks?” to know when to repair cracks in foundation walls.
In some cases, foundation crack repair can be a DIY job. In that case, the videos you find on YouTube might be a good solution. Our recommendation however is to take photos of your foundation cracks and show them to a professional such as Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. We have been working with foundations and concrete for decades and can assist you with determining if your foundation wall cracks are a cause for worry. We do recommend understanding the types of foundation cracks that can occur. Here’s a rundown!
Foundation Crack Types
Cracks due to concrete shrinkage
If you have poured basement or foundation walls they can shrink over time as it cures. In this case, you will find small, vertical, hairline cracks that tend to happen near or around seams. Typically these are nothing to worry about and are a common occurrence. We can take a look at these types of cracks for you however, to be absolutely sure they don’t indicate a bigger problem.
Diagonal Cracks in your Foundation Walls
If your foundation walls are under a lot of stress due to sinking and settling diagonal foundation cracks can form. This can be a sign of a much larger problem. This type of problem indicates that your foundation needs some form of stabilization to prevent continued settlement. Underpinning products such as steel piers may be indicated as a solution and you definitely want to have your foundation inspected.
Cracks in Block Foundations
These cracks usually appear like stair steps. You will notice problems in the mortar joints and the cracks typically start horizontally and in the middle of the wall. This is typically caused by stress similar to the diagonal cracks in poured foundation walls caused by foundation sinking and settlement.
Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to foundation wall cracks
All of these cracks can get worse over time if not addressed. Because your foundation is what supports your home, we can’t stress enough how important it is to address them. So while you search for DIY solutions to foundation cracks, you will always find the PFT team reminding you that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Get your foundation wall cracks checked out.
Filed under Foundation Repair
Tags: foundation cracks, repair foundation cracks, types of foundation cracks