When to Worry About Cracks in Your Home Foundation
Your home’s foundation is responsible for shouldering its weight. If there’s a problem with your home’s foundation, your windows might not shut properly, and your cabinets may not sit flush against the wall. As you walk around the exterior or interior of your home, you might notice signs of foundation cracks.
Is it time to panic? Do you need to call in a professional? Not all the cracks in your home’s foundation are cause for worry. It’s time to learn more about when you need to call a professional to check on those cracks in your foundation.
Understanding Foundation Cracks
Before shrugging them off or calling in reinforcements, you need a better understanding of foundation cracks. There are three main types of foundation cracks: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. Horizontal cracks are often seen in the walls of your home, and you should have a professional check the damage immediately. Doors and windows are the locations where diagonal cracks will appear. Multiple vertical cracks close to each other are often a sign of foundation damage.
A variety of factors cause foundation cracks. Your home’s foundation sits on top of soil, which can shift and move. Water from flooding and other sources can cause foundation cracks. Sometimes, a home has structural issues that lead to foundation cracks. You might notice small cracks and others that leave gaping holes. The more severe the crack can be an indication of the damage. A damaged foundation can cause your home to become uninhabitable until repairs are made.
When to Be Concerned
Some signs and factors come into play when considering your level of concern. If you see widening cracks, ones with displacement, or accompanied by other structural damage, it’s time to be concerned. These are signs of a worsening foundation issue. You also need to consider the age of the home, location, and soil conditions. Early detection and knowing which foundation cracks to be concerned about help you make repairs before extensive damage occurs throughout your home. However, you want to hire a professional to evaluate the condition of your home’s foundation.
Preventative Measures
There are things you can do to prevent damage to your foundation. It starts with regular foundation inspections. These can help you spot problems earlier and minimize the damage. You must also check the drainage around your home’s foundation, especially from gutter downspouts. You don’t want water draining or pooling close to your home’s foundation. You may need to have work done to remove drainage issues.
Tree roots will explore foundation cracks and expand them as the tree grows. You may need to address these and other landscaping concerns. Water is never a good mix for a slab foundation, and you should always watch for water intruding around your foundation and home.