A foundation is one of the most important parts of a house. It is the one that holds the structural integrity of your house. As such, it is important to pay close attention to anything that appears to destabilize it
Cracks are common foundation problems in many homes. It mainly involves settling, poor drainage, and unstable soils. Cracks can manifest as serious structural although sometimes they may not be significant. Approximately 60 percent of homes in the United States are built on soil that has clay content.
Soils that contain a lot of clay content can make a foundation to experience seasonal movements of about 40 to 60 mm. Such soil movements are the ones that cause cracks on the foundation.
Cracks on your foundation are serious problems that should always be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Failing to take action early can cost you a lot of money in terms of repairs.
Here are 4 causes of foundation cracks:
1. Drought or too much moisture
Soils usually shrink like a sponge when moisture escapes from them. When this happens, the foundation of your home is pulled away hence creating a gap. It is this gap that causes the foundation to shift from its original position.
In case the foundation doesn’t have proper support, it will move and form cracks. Besides, if there is excess moisture, it will make the soil supporting the foundation expand and destabilize your home. That’s why you should be vigilant of any cracks or signs of shifting and take appropriate actions without delays.
2. Storms
Whether it is a hurricane or a normal rainstorm, these storms come with a lot of water that’s likely to damage the foundation of your home. When there is a lot of water around the foundation of your home, it will make it expand. The expansion will in turn push up against your homes and lead to concrete foundation cracks.
Besides that, storms can also cause other structural problems if no preventative measures are taken to protect your home. One of the most common explanations for concrete cracks is the thaw and freeze that usually happens in winter. Concrete freeze at approximately 18 degrees and cannel at about 35 degrees.
3. Earthquakes
When there’s an earthquake, the ground is shaken which causes your home to shake also. The good news is that there are not many incidences of earthquakes in the United States. But the problem is even the smallest in magnitude earthquake can cause big problems. If the foundation is not well supported, then it can easily move around, crack or weaken.
4. Plumbing leaks
It is important to ensure your pipes are wee secured and are not leaking. This is because any plumbing leaks can cause problems to your foundation. In case your home is not fitted with a sump pump or waterproofing equipment, excess water will penetrate into your foundation and lead to cracks.
In a nutshell, there are several causes of foundation cracks. It is upon you to always keep an eye on your foundation and take necessary action to prevent further damage. For more information on the above, you can reach out to places like 58 Foundations.