As the ground and soil move, so do our foundations. Foundation settlement is normal, and to be expected, for any house five to ten years after construction. However, if the settlement becomes uneven, differential foundation cracks can form. That can allow water to leak into your basement and it could also be an indication of structural problems.
Cracks in your foundation can be worrisome, but which ones require immediate attention? Dry Basement® Foundation Repair can give you the answers you need!
Types of Foundation Cracks
1. Vertical Foundation Cracks
- If vertical cracks are wider at the top than at the bottom and can be a sign of foundation settlement.
- If you spot hairline cracks, don’t be worried! Continue to monitor them. If you see that they are getting larger, consult with a foundation repair expert.
2. Horizontal Foundation Cracks
- Horizontal cracks are a bit more concerning. Horizontal cracks can lead to potential foundation failure.
- These foundation cracks can be caused by water and soil pressure, which likely means you have drainage problems or extremely expansive soil movement. This could lead to bowing or buckling walls and possibly to wall failure.
3. Diagonal Foundation Cracks
- These cracks most commonly start in the corners of windows in basement walls. Diagonal cracks are caused by lateral/horizontal pressure from water and from soil expansion.
- When it comes to severity, diagonal cracks are somewhat between horizontal and vertical cracks. If an additional diagonal crack develops on the same basement wall, call your foundation repair company immediately.
4. Stair Step Foundation Cracks in block walls
- Similar to vertical cracks, these are most often associated with lateral/horizontal foundation wall movement, but can also be the result of foundation settling. While the foundation moves underneath, so does the house.
- The best course of action is to stabilize your foundation with wall anchors or foundation piers, respectively. A foundation repair contractor can assess the problem and determine the type of repair required.
Do you have cracks in your foundation walls or floors? Is your house shifting or settling? Dry Basement® Foundation Repair can make your home safe and stable. Contact us today. With locations in Kansas City, Des Moines, Wichita and Columbia, we are ready to help with any foundation cracks.