Understanding Foundation Cracks
Educating yourself on the probable cause of foundation cracking 
will allow you to rectify the situation in your Kansas and Missouri homes. Things to consider when you see a foundation crack in your home are to look at the shape, the pattern, and the frequency of occurrence. By doing this you can determine if the crack in your foundation is caused by continuing movement or by a single event.
Wall Types and Shrinkage Causes for Foundation Cracks in Your Kansas & Missouri Home or Business:
- Shrinkage cracks are usually standard in their width. They are wider at the top of the foundation and narrowing down towards the base. A shrinkage crack rarely goes all the way to the base of the foundation. A wall crack that reaches all the way to the floor or base of the foundation is more than likely a settlement crack. Concrete shrinks as it cures and shrinkage cracks occur most often when the concrete was mixed incorrectly or when a control joint was missing or misplaced.
- Poured concrete shrinkage cracks are usually due to conditions at the construction site. Poor mix, rapid curing, and possibly other conditions are determining factors in cracks found in poured concrete foundations.
- Concrete block shrinkage occurs as it continues to cure. In concrete block foundations, the cracks are likely to be similar in width and usually occur towards the center of a concrete block style of foundation. Concrete block foundations are popular in Kansas and Missouri.
- Brick walls normally do not shrink. If you see a crack in a brick wall it is more than likely because the structure had been moved physically by man or by nature. Cracks in a brick wall are serious in nature. Cracks and bulged brick foundations should be checked out professionally. Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. will come evaluate your situation and advise a corrective plan.
- Stone foundation walls do not normally shrink either because of the use of smaller individual stones. However, the stone design may be cracked due to damage from weather conditions or construction changes.
Vertical Foundation Cracks in KS and MO Homes and Businesses:
- Kansas and Missouri homes and businesses often have vertical cracks in their foundations. Vertical cracks often times appear as multiple cracks in an area. While a vertical foundation crack could be serious depending on what caused the crack, often times a simple fix by Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. can rectify the damage and restore your foundation to its original strength and visible charm.
- In masonry between structures, cracks are often caused by differential settlement or thermal movement within the foundation in the MO and KS service area. The midwest is known for its drastic fluctuation in temperatures and may contribute to thermal movement.
- Straight or wandering cracks in poured concrete and are even in width, intermittent, or more often straight line cracks and usually considered a low risk to a building.
- In a masonry block wall, foundation cracks will more than likely appear in the mortar seams and normally are caused by shrinkage or thermal conditions.
- Straight or stepped in bricks foundational cracks are potentially dangerous in nature due to collapse.
- Foundation cracks in a wall that are wider at the bottom than the top are usually caused by settlement under the building or home. These cracks may be less serious than horizontal when found in a masonry block wall. If the cracks were to be found in a brick wall, it would be an urgent matter and require immediate attention.
Foundation Crack Repair Solutions in KS & MO
The experts at Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. can come and inspect your foundation cracks and determine if the problem is due to a foundation issue. If it is a foundation problem, Pro Foundation Technology experts will offer you the best foundation repair solution for your repair needs.
Our underpinning products such as steel push piers and helical piers are used to level and stabilize the foundation. These piers are driven deep into the ground through the unstable soil layers until they reach a solid soil layer. Then each pier is individually load tested and with the use of hydraulic jacks, the entire weight of the structure is lifted onto the piers to get the foundation back to its original level and stabilized again.
The underpinning products used by Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. are the best in the industry. They are manufactured by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the leader in the manufacturing of foundation repair products and basement waterproofing products in the industry. You know when you use the experience of the team at Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. and with ECP products, you are getting the best foundation repair solution in the Kansas and Missouri area.
If you are concerned about your foundation cracks, contact the experts at Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. today for a free inspection.
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Tags: foundation cracks, Kansas, Missouri