The leading causes for cracks in the foundation of buildings in Alberta are extreme weather, shifting soils, and regular movement of soils over time. Any unattended crack can invite water entry and mould growth inside the house; eventually, the entire building is at risk. Any unattended crack can lead to water entry and mould development in the house, which later puts the entire building in jeopardy. Hence, a homeowner must understand the causes of foundation cracks, what damage can follow, and the repair procedure required for safety.
What Causes Foundation Cracks in Alberta?
Foundation cracking is a common complaint, attributed to several causes, many of which are linked to the peculiar environmental setting of Alberta. One of the main culprits is freeze-thaw weathering. A rise in temperature and drop in temperature in Alberta tends to fluctuate vigorously, whereby, as moisture seeps into the minor cracks of a foundation, it expands upon freezing. The repeated steps of expansion and contraction strain the concrete, causing cracks to become heavily stressed over a prolonged period. Soil movement is another primary reason since homes in Alberta are often erected around expansive clay soils that shift with changes in moisture.
Some faults regarding the nature of the foundation are often debated due to alleged poor construction practices. A foundation may become more susceptible to cracking if improper reinforcement or the concrete curing is poorly done. Besides, small harmless cracks due to settlement should be kept under watch and repaired whenever necessary to prevent growth into large structural cracks that can endanger the life of the building.
Types of Foundation Cracks and Their Severity
Understanding the kind and severity of foundation cracks is essential to deciding whether they require routine maintenance or immediate care. By determining their origin and course, minor problems can be kept from developing into expensive structural difficulties.
HHairline and Vertical Cracks: Are They Serious?
Hairline cracks are the most common and are usually superficial. They are caused by the natural curing process of concrete and are not typically a cause for concern unless they begin to widen or allow water infiltration.
Vertical cracks are often the result of natural settling and may not always indicate a structural problem. However, sealing them is necessary to prevent further damage if they extend through the entire foundation and allow moisture in.
When to Worry About Horizontal and Stair-Step Cracks
Horizontal cracks usually indicate a serious matter: pressure is likely exerted on the foundation walls, frequently due to soil expansion or water pressure. Such cracks may indicate some danger of the foundation bowing or failing and immediately require a professional inspection.
Stair-step cracks in brick or concrete block foundations may indicate something else: differential settling, whereby one part of the foundation is sinking while another is not. If neglected, these cracks can lead to significant structural damages that will demand serious repairs.
Best Solutions for Foundation Crack Repairs
Different techniques for repair exist based on the width, position, and depth of the cracks. Minor non-structural cracks can usually be repaired with injections of polyurethane or epoxy, which prevent further leakage and damage. As for structural cracks, epoxy is used, which temporarily joins concrete, regaining its strength and stability.
If moisture accumulation is the causative agent, effective drainage improvement from weeping tiles, sump pumps, or proper grading will save the damage from reoccurring. Houses usually fight water damage at the base, which is caused by water being held around the foundation for a long time, so effective proactive drainage solutions will be necessary. Horizontal, more serious cracks touch the surface for possible repairs with either carbon fibre reinforcement or steel braces attached at intervals to restrain any further bowing and ensure that the foundation remains intact. Foundation settlement or movement cases may be solved with underpinning using helical or concrete piers as support; they anchor to stable soil strata where further movement is prevented, thus making them durable for a long time.
Why Timely Foundation Repairs Are Essential
The specific repair procedure can be determined by the crack’s size, position, and intensity. Most small non-structural cracks can be repaired using either polyurethane or epoxy injection methods, which ensure a waterproof seal and further minimize damage. However, repairing structural cracks by injecting epoxies is more critical, as they bond the concrete together, restoring strength.
In situations where moisture accumulation is established as the causative factor, providing workable drainage with weep tiles, sump pumps, or proper grading would avert the recurrence of the problem. Water pooling around the foundation can weaken the structure over time; therefore, it is wise to incorporate drainage solutions as a proactive measure.
Conclusion
Alberta foundation crack repair requires professionals working in the field. Alberta Parging has dedicated itself to high-quality foundation repair work for light to very severe cases. Their services include crack sealing, waterproofing, and structural reinforcement. Considering Alberta’s climate, their experts will seal any cracks in a reliable, long-lasting way.
Alberta Parging has solutions to all your foundation problems. Contact them today to fix an inspection appointment and ensure strong foundations for your house for decades.
