What You Need to Know About Foundation Cracks

Cracks in the foundation of your home are common. Understanding the types of cracks can help you fix them properly.

• Types of Foundation Cracks:

  • Vertical Cracks: These are often not serious and happen because of normal settling.
  • Horizontal Cracks: These are more serious and can mean the soil is putting pressure on your foundation.
  • Diagonal Cracks: These usually happen because the house is settling unevenly.
  • Step-shaped Cracks: These are common in brick foundations and show some movement.

• Common Causes:

  • Soil Movement:
    • Expanding Soil: Soil gets bigger when wet and smaller when dry, which can push on the foundation.
    • Settling: The ground settling unevenly can cause cracks.
  • Moisture Changes:
    • Seasonal Changes: Things like freeze-thaw cycles and rainfall can affect the soil.
    • Poor Drainage: Water collecting near your foundation can weaken it.
  • Construction Issues:
    • Bad Footings: If the footings are not made well, they can cause problems.
    • Bad Materials: Using poor materials during construction can cause cracks.
  • Tree Roots: Big trees near your house can push on the foundation with their roots.

Figuring Out How Serious the Cracks Are

Before you fix cracks, you need to see how bad they are.

• Small Cracks vs. Big Cracks:

  • Hairline Cracks:
    • These are small and thin and usually happen when the concrete dries. They are often harmless but should be watched.
  • Structural Cracks:
    • These are wider or getting bigger and can mean there is a real problem. You should get a professional to look at them, especially if you see other damage.

• Signs of Serious Damage:

  • Uneven floors
  • Doors or windows that stick
  • Bulges or bows in the walls

Getting Ready to Fix the Cracks

You need to prepare before starting the repairs.

• Safety First:

  • Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself.
  • Make sure the area is well-ventilated, especially if using chemicals.

• Cleaning the Area:

  • Remove Debris:
    • Clear away any loose material, dirt, and plants around the crack.
  • Cleaning Solutions:
    • Use water or a mild soap to clean the area.

• Draining and Drying:

  • Make sure the area is completely dry before you start the repairs so the adhesives and fillers stick well.

Ways to Fix the Cracks

Picking the right method to fix the cracks is important.

• Concrete Patching:

  • What You Need: Concrete patching compound, trowel.
  • Steps:
    1. Clean the crack well.
    2. Apply the concrete patching compound into the crack.
    3. Smooth the surface with a trowel.

• Epoxy Injection:

  • What You Need: Epoxy kit, caulking gun.
  • Steps:
    1. Put injection ports along the crack.
    2. Seal the crack surface with epoxy paste.
    3. Inject epoxy into the ports.
    4. Remove the injection ports and finish the surface.

• Polyurethane Foam Injection:

  • What You Need: Polyurethane foam kit, caulking gun.
  • Steps:
    1. Put injection ports.
    2. Seal the crack with foam paste.
    3. Inject polyurethane foam.
    4. Trim the foam once it has cured and seal.

How to Stop Cracks from Happening Again

Taking steps to prevent cracks can save you a lot of work in the future.

• Improve Drainage:

  • Gutters and Downspouts:
    • Clean them regularly.
    • Extend downspouts to direct water away from the house.
  • Slope Soil Away from the Foundation:
    • Make sure the soil around your home directs water away.

• Control Soil Moisture:

  • Water Regularly in Dry Seasons:
    • Keep the soil a bit wet to stop it from shrinking.
  • Avoid Overwatering:
    • Don’t let the soil get too wet and swell up.

• Plant Trees and Shrubs Wisely:

  • Plant big trees and bushes far from the foundation so their roots don’t cause problems.

When to Get Professional Help

Some cracks are too serious to handle on your own.

• Multiple or Growing Cracks:
  • These can show big structural problems.
• Signs of Foundation Settling:
  • Uneven floors, chimneys leaning.
• Bulging or Bowing Walls:
  • You need an expert to look at these serious problems.

Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional

Think about the pros and cons before deciding how to fix the cracks.

• DIY Repairs:
  • Pros: Cheaper, faster.
  • Cons: Might not last, could miss bigger issues.
• Professional Repairs:
  • Pros: Thorough check, long-lasting fixes.
  • Cons: Costs more upfront but can be cheaper in the long run.

How to Find a Good Professional

Make sure you hire someone who knows what they are doing.

• Research and Reviews:

  • Online Reviews: Check ratings and what other people say.
  • Ask for Referrals: Ask neighbors, friends, or family for recommendations.

• Check Their Credentials:

  • Licensing and Certification: Make sure they are properly licensed.
  • Insurance: Check their insurance to avoid problems later.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

To keep foundation problems away, do regular maintenance.

• Regular Inspections:
  • Check at least twice a year, especially after the seasons change.
• Fix Small Problems Quickly:
  • Don’t let minor issues become big ones.
• Maintain Your Yard:
  • Keep up with yard work to stop water from collecting near your foundation.

By following this guide, you can fix foundation cracks and keep your home strong. Knowing when to fix things yourself and when to call a professional is important for keeping your house safe and secure.