Is A Cracked Foundation In A House Repairable?
What are you going to do if you discover foundation cracks in your home? Indeed, learning that your house has succumbed to foundation cracks can be a nerve-wracking experience. More often than not, homeowners find themselves overwhelmed in panic and worry because they know full well that foundation cracks can reduce the value of their property and cause structural damage that requires costly repairs.House foundation repair can be frustrating, but with numerous options for repairing structural problems, the right solution for your house is out there..However, before you get all worked up it is important that you know the different types of foundation cracks so you’ll know what to do and come up with a reasonable and not to mention cost-effective solution for your home.
What Are The Different Types of Settlement?
To make it easier for you to understand the different types of foundation problems you must first know the different types of foundation settlement. Basically, foundation settlement is categorized into two types, uniform settlement and differential settlement.
In a uniform settlement, all points of the structure are settled into the ground at the same capacity. This happens when all parts of a house are built on the same soil. When the foundation is established uniformly no damage will be done to the structure but this does not exempt attached buildings, drainage systems and utility lines.
Meanwhile, in a differential settlement the points of the structure are settled while the rest are stable. This type of settlement is prone to structural defects and foundation cracks. Differential settlement will not take place if all parts of the building are established on the same type of soil. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case since soil types; structural system and sand loads vary in a structure. When a property falls under differential settlement it will be susceptible to framework problems in the long run including bowing walls, slanted floors, leaning chimneys and windows and doors that are difficult to shut.
What Are The Different Types of Foundation Cracks?
Vertical Foundation Cracks
If you find vertical foundation cracks in your home then there is no need to worry because vertical cracks are harmless. Vertical cracks that are somewhat diagonal won’t affect the structure of your home. In fact, they are very common in majority of households. These cracks surface as a result of concrete tension during the initial years of construction. It’s also possible that vertical cracks form due to rains that create pressure against the foundation. If you want to fix vertical cracks you can do so by applying a polyurethane or epoxy injection. The ingredients used are water-resistant, malleable and lightweight and they work to effectively seal cracks.
You can also protect the structural foundation of your home by ensuring that water doesn’t get in. Check your gutters if these are clogged because if they are, water could seep into your home and create foundation cracks. Also make sure that your gutters are free of debris.
Diagonal Foundation Cracks
When your home shows diagonal foundation cracks you should be concerned because these cracks signify differential settlement and if these cracks are not fixed right away it could lead to structural damage. If there are certain areas in your home that settle faster or if you notice areas that remain stable this can result to differential settlement. Diagonal cracks that are at 30 to 75 degrees from vertical should be inspected. Repairing diagonal cracks is the same as repairing vertical cracks but the only difference is that you’ll need more material to stop future movement.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks
Horizontal foundation cracks are dangerous. Therefore, if you see these in your home you should worry. Horizontal cracks result when the force of the ground is more than what basement wall can take. It will then bow inward and develop into a crack. Heavy equipment near the wall, excessive backfilling and frost heave also contribute to the development of foundation racks. You don’t have to do anything just yet if the cracks are still small and the wall is not yet bowing but you do need to monitor these cracks closely to check if it gets worse. If it does, you’ll need to hire a foundation repair specialist to conduct the repairs.
The question as to whether cracked foundation in a house can be repaired or not, the answer is yes. As soon as you notice foundation cracks in your home you should monitor these closely and check if the cracks get worse. If they do, don’t attempt to repair them yourself but instead contact foundation repair specialists. These professionals know what needs to be done to fix the problem and prevent potential structural damage to your home.
