Whether you’re moving into a newer home or have been in yours for over 10+ years, there are common foundation damages you might encounter over time. However, what do the cracks you might see mean? Here are the top three issues you’ll most likely see in a naturally settling or damaged foundation:
Vertical Cracks
Typically the most common, vertical cracks are considered not as severe as the other types. While they appear to go straight up or down, they can have a slight diagonal curve at times (within 30 degrees), but they should be vertical for the most part. These are caused by the foundation settling and are seen in newer and older homes. However, they can allow water to penetrate the foundation and should be sealed to prevent future freeze-thaw damage.
Diagonal Cracks
These cracks often occur when parts of your home’s foundation are settling faster than others (typically running at 30 or 70 degrees diagonally). In general, this can be quite common for homes built on hills or experiencing extended droughts or flooding that deteriorate the soil conditions around the foundation. While they are about on the same level danger-wise as vertical cracks, they should still be examined by a professional and sealed before they get worse.
Horizontal Cracks
These cracks are the most dangerous ones you could potentially see, and they typically indicate heavy soil or hydrostatic pressure damaging your foundation. If left alone, they can cause the walls to bow and drastically affect the structural integrity of the home. When homeowners see these cracks, it’s important that they are repaired as soon as possible. The foundation will most likely need to be reinforced or replaced to avoid extensive damage.
If you see any signs of damage on your foundation, it’s important to bring in experts even if the cracks are small or considered not as severe. Letting that damage go on for too long could compromise the structural integrity of your home. Concrete & Foundation Solutions proudly serves the Twin Cities metro with their residential and commercial foundation repair needs.