We’ve all been there: staring at the foundation of our home trying to figure out if those cracks are serious or not. Does a vertical foundation crack mean something different than a horizontal crack? Can you just fill the foundation cracks? These questions have probably all run through your mind at some point. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the different types of cracks, their meanings, and possible solutions to the foundation cracks.
Vertical foundation crack
Vertical cracks are some of the most common cracks that we see, and they are usually a sign of settlement. This means that they may be due to the natural settlement of the home in the first few years after it has been built. However, they could also be a serious foundation repair issue that needs to be resolved. How do you know? If the cracks are small and have never gotten bigger after they initially appeared after the home was built, they are likely okay to just cover with epoxy. If they have recently appeared, appear to continue to grow, and they are wide cracks, there is likely a problem with your foundation. You can monitor this yourself, or you can call a professional to get your foundation cracks checked out.
Horizontal cracks
These foundation cracks are usually caused by a bowing wall. Bowing walls will usually happen due to hydrostatic pressure. When the soil is backfilled beside the home that was dug out for the foundation, it is looser than the heavily compacted soil that hasn’t been dug out. Therefore, it can fill with water and get heavy. This is especially a problem if it happens to freeze. The heavy, water-filled soil (or frozen soil) then pushes against the foundation in unexpected ways and causes foundation cracks. Eventually, these will lead to a wall bowing in or outwards. This should be taken care of immediately. If you think you have bowing walls, call the experts at KC Waterproofing as soon as possible.
Diagonal Cracks and Stair Step
If you see diagonal foundation cracks on our foundation walls, you likely also have a problem with bowing walls. If you see stair step cracks, it’s very likely due to frost heave (when the frozen soil pushes against your home or raises things) OR due to the settlement of the home. In either case, it could be a fairly easy fix.
Have Foundation Cracks? Call KC Waterproofing!
At KC Waterproofing, we are experts in foundation repair and waterproofing. Never leave a foundation problem to get worse. Fix the problem now and stop stressing about it! Contact KC Waterproofing now for more information and to get started.
Company: KC Waterproofing
Don Derry, Jr. is the CEO of KC Waterproofing. Don began the company Thirty-Three years ago. His vision for the company has always been to help property owners protect their investment and valuables from foundation, structural and water control problems.
About KC Waterproofing
Today, KC Waterproofing is one of the region’s leading providers of cutting edge technology for wall anchoring, foundation underpinning, interior, and exterior drainage control and new construction waterproofing. KC Waterproofing has a staff of experts highly experienced in foundation repair, structural solutions, and environmental remediation. The entire team is dedicated to delivering on-time service with a focus on integrity and value. This unwavering dedication to customers is the cornerstone of the company’s growth. Customers appreciate that all work is backed by the best warranty in town. Best of all, they have peace of mind that their problems were fixed by a fully licensed, bonded, insured and locally owned company.
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