Most homeowners will deal with foundation cracks at some point. Experts say a startling 90% of houses will experience some level of cracking in their foundations over the years. That’s because the foundation endures so much—it holds up the entire building while withstanding the shifting earth and endlessly changing weather underneath.
In this blog, we will look at how common these foundation cracks are, what they may look like, and when it’s time to call in specialized help from repair professionals to assess the situation and prevent costly damage from advancing.
How Common Are Foundation Cracks?
Let’s discuss how common foundation cracks are in your homes. Well, it depends on how old or newly built your home is.
Foundation Cracks in New Homes
Even foundation cracks that emerge within the first few years of a home’s construction should not always cause panic. It is normal for some minor settling and cracking to occur as the soil compacts under the structure’s new weight. Cracks up to 1/4 inch are generally not serious if no other issues are present. However, owners should be concerned if cracks begin exposing rebar or appear excessively wide, given the home’s age.
Foundation Cracks in Older Homes
As the years go by, it’s natural that age starts to catch up to a home’s foundation. The building materials and the earth around the house will show the effects of countless weather events over generations. Soil shifts with temperature or moisture content changes, and concrete cracks have held the structure’s weight for so long. These inevitable cracks mean rainfall or snowmelt have an easier time seeping inward, where moisture can cause costly damage if cracks aren’t addressed in time by contractors experienced with historical foundations.
Common Causes of Foundation Cracks
There are several reasons why cracks may appear in a home’s foundation over time.
Settling of the Soil
Over time, soil particles will naturally compress and rearrange due to the structure’s weight above them. This can place immense pressure on the foundation and result in cracks appearing.
Failure to Install Proper Drainage
Without proper drainage, cracks can emerge. Water saturation in the soil puts a lot of pressure on the foundation of the house. All that excess moisture puts added pressure on the foundation walls from the outside.
Improper Backfill
Backfilling the soil against the outer foundation walls is another point where foundation cracks occur. The soil used needs to be properly compacted in thin layers as it is replaced to avoid future settling issues. If the soil isn’t compacted well during this process, it can lead to uneven settling that exerts pressure on the foundation.
Flooding or Excess Water
Like improper drainage, when excess water is consistently allowed to pool too close to the foundation, this saturates the surrounding soil and creates pressure. Flooding around the house’s perimeter can have similar effects and cause cracks to form due to the ensuing soggy conditions.
Heavy Loads
Positioning heavy objects such as landscape rock, cement statues, or trampolines too close to an exterior foundation wall subjects it to concentrated pressure that is avoidable. Over the long term, these extra pressures can lead to cracks where the loads are positioned.
Foundation Crack Repair Options
Let’s explore some foundation crack repair options below:
Epoxy or Polymer Crack Injection
This injection with a low-viscosity epoxy or polymer sealant is a standard repair method. The product is injected into the crack and hardens to form a flexible but strong bond that prevents water from entering.
Crack Patching or Sealing
Similar to injection but used for wider cracks, patching involves cleaning out loose material, applying a bonding agent, and filling with a flexible crack sealer. This creates a watertight seal over the surface.
Installation of Pin Piling or Helical Piers
When cracks are caused by soil settling under portions of the foundation, deep piers can be installed using specialized equipment. Pin piers are augured, while helical piers are screwed into the ground to drain and support lifted areas.
Installation of Drainage Systems
Adding underground French drains, sump pump systems, and rerouting downspouts at least 5 feet from home helps control water pressure on the foundation. Without proper drainage, cracks will likely reappear.
Underpinning or Pier and Beam Foundation Repairs
For severe settlement issues, all portions of the existing foundation may need to be underpinned or replaced with a new pier and beam support system. This stabilizes the ground for long-term correction.
Conclusion
Foundation cracks are a common issue that will likely affect many homeowners at some point. While small cracks can be observed over time, it is important to contact a licensed professional for an evaluation.
A qualified company like Alberta Pargin can properly assess the situation, determine the root cause, and recommend the best long-term repair solution customized to each home’s unique circumstances. Their licensed contractors have the expertise to revive structural integrity safely and effectively.
