Cracks are pretty much a universal sign of breakage. In some places, this sign may not be meaningful to someone, but when these cracks appear in the foundation walls and floor of your home, there is plenty of reasonable cause for concern. A homeowner from Kansas City agreed and gave our team of dedicated professionals a call about some cracks they had spotted in the foundation walls of their basement.
The good news is hairline cracks are nothing to worry about. They don’t pose a threat to the foundation at all and can easily be covered with paint to make them much more sustainable. Also, any narrow cracks that are no wider than 1/8″ are okay as well, but need to be monitored for expansion.
Evaluating crack severity is crucial for determining the appropriate foundation crack repair. Cracks width plays a significant role in understanding their seriousness:
- Less than 1/8 inch: Often not a cause for concern. These are usually hairline cracks that can occur due to minor settling.
- 1/8 inch or larger: This size should prompt attention. Wider cracks may indicate structural issues that could compromise your home’s safety.
Professional assessment is essential for accurate evaluation. Experts will:
- Use specialized tools to measure crack width and depth.
- Assess the direction and pattern of cracks, as horizontal ones near floor junctions might imply hydrostatic pressure problems.
- Evaluate surrounding environmental factors that could contribute to cracking, such as poor drainage or soil movement.
Seeking professional advice like that from our team here at Level Up Foundation Repair ensures that you address potential risks promptly, safeguarding your home against further damage.
If you are checking the crack on a monthly basis and taking note of small growth each time, it is worth looking into identifying a possible foundation issue that is the underlying cause. The homeowner clarified with our team that a majority of their cracks fell in this category. However, there were two in total that were raising concerns, and we agreed to take a look.
Once on the scene in the basement of their home, it was identified that there were a large number of cracks that were wider than 1/8″ and that also ran horizontally to the basement floor at the bottom of the basement wall. These cracks are also alright to remain calm about but were sealed in with concrete-compatible caulk to keep moisture, soil smells, and possible radon gas out of the home.
Remember, implementing preventative maintenance strategies for foundations is crucial to avoid costly repairs. A primary focus should be on effective drainage solutions:
- Ensure Proper Grading: The slope of the ground around your home should direct water away from the foundation. Ideally, a slope of six inches for every ten horizontal feet is recommended.
- Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Regularly clean gutters and ensure downspouts extend at least five feet away from the foundation. This prevents water accumulation at the base.
- Install a French Drain System: For homes prone to heavy rainfall, a French drain can efficiently redirect water away, reducing hydrostatic pressure against the foundation.
Routine inspection and timely intervention are key components in maintaining a healthy foundation and avoiding future cracks.
After taking this step, two cracks, both larger than 1/2″ wide, were identified in one of the rooms at the far end of the basement. These cracks alone could be repaired with caulk or epoxy but were looked at by a technician to determine whether or not they were from something serious. The technician’s thorough evaluation revealed that the far wall of this room in the basement was also slightly bowed. It was nearly not able to be seen by just looking at the wall and was found upon further measuring and inspection. This was a sign, albeit an early one, that the foundation wall was losing its integrity slowly over time and that the cracks in question would indeed give way to bigger problems.
The next step for the homeowner was to consider scheduling a foundation wall repair to prevent further damage to the walls, preserving as much of the integrity as could be. The process of early detection made this possible and gave them the upper hand in establishing the safety of their home. If you suspect such foundation damage happening in your home, give our professionals here at Level Up Foundation Repair a call today at (816) 230-0101 and schedule an evaluation of the foundation walls and floors.
