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Introduction:
Are you noticing cracks in your foundation? A crack in your house foundation is a common issue and can be seen in new and old homes. They are frightening and not a good sign. Small cracks can get worse and should be fixed as soon as possible.
Foundation cracks occur when the underneath ground cannot support the total weight of the house. It is a complex issue and requires an expert to diagnose it correctly. There are two types of foundation cracks: vertical and horizontal. Vertical cracks are the most common type and are typically not a cause for concern.
On the other hand, horizontal cracks can be a sign of a more severe problem. It's essential to know the difference between these two types of cracks, so you can carry out the foundation repair and fix the problem correctly.
Vertical Foundation Cracks:
Vertical foundation cracks are caused by the house settling over time. When the ground underneath the house isn't stable, the foundation will gradually sink and cause vertical cracks.
Vertical cracks are typically caused by movement in the soil, such as when the ground freezes and thaws. As vertical cracks occur due to concrete shrinkage, they are also referred to as shrinkage cracks. Most vertical cracks are less than 1/8th inch in width. They appear in the middle of the wall and go straight up and down. Vertical foundation cracks can also be a sign of poor construction.
However, they are not a cause for concern and can be easily fixed by yourself if they aren't getting more significant. Also, vertical cracks are not as severe as horizontal cracks and are usually not a structural concern. New homes can notice vertical cracks within a few years. If you're worried about your vertical cracks, you can call a contractor to fix them.
Horizontal Cracks:
Horizontal cracks are less common but can signify a more serious problem. They are a result of unbalanced soil and hydrostatic water pressure.
A horizontal foundation crack moves from wall to wall. They often occur when water seeps into the foundation and puts pressure on the walls. Soil (or hydrostatic pressure) squeezes the foundation walls, causing horizontal cracks. Soil pressure builds up due to poor drainage around the foundation, a faulty gutter system that isn't directing water away from the house, or a grading issue where the ground slopes towards the house instead of away from it. The type of soil also impacts the risk of horizontal cracks. E.g., clay-based soils expand when wet and contract when dry, putting extra pressure on the foundation. An earthquake can also cause horizontal cracks.
Horizontal cracks tend to grow over time and ruin the slab itself. They are a structural concern and can compromise the stability of your home. Horizontal cracks usually appear during the season of heavy rainfall or flooding. They will cause the foundation wall to bow inwards. These cracks can worsen over time and lead to more severe problems such as a collapsing foundation. They are more stringent than vertical cracks and can be challenging to fix. So, foundation repair should be carried out immediately if you notice any horizontal cracks, as they can be a sign of structural damage.
Crawl space encapsulation can also protect the home foundation from horizontal cracks.
Conclusion:
Many different factors cause foundation cracks. Vertical and horizontal Foundation cracks can be alarming but don't always mean that there is a severe problem. Vertical foundation cracks are the most common type and are usually not a cause for concern. On the other hand, horizontal cracks can be a sign of structural damage and should be fixed immediately.
Knowing the difference between these two types of cracks is essential to fix the problem correctly. Suppose you're worried about your foundation cracks; it is best to call a professional to assess it. They will conduct a home inspection and tell you if the cracks are severe and need to be fixed or if they're not a cause for concern.
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