Owning a home comes with great responsibility. Of course, everyone wants to do what’s best to preserve their family’s homes. Most homeowners are not familiar with every element of home construction and maintenance, though, so it can be hard to tell when to call a professional. When it comes to structural issues, it’s usually best to play it safe. If there is a Foundation Crack, it could spell out seriously bad news if the problem goes without being addressed for too long. However, not all cracks are the same. Read on to find out when they are cause for concern.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks in basement walls and foundations can cause serious issues. The natural expansion of the soil outside can easily cause the wall to begin bowing around the crack. This lateral pressure will eventually cause systemic failure. These cracks can be straight or they can look like a steep set of stairs. Either way, they will require more attention than just a little bit of caulk. Call a professional immediately to find out what steps need to be taken next.
Vertical Cracks
Concrete foundations often settle over time, causing small vertical cracks to appear. These are fairly common and can usually be filled without too much trouble. A vertical Foundation Crack doesn’t usually pose a serious threat, but it shouldn’t be ignored either. Call a basement repair and waterproofing company to fill it before it can spread any further and cause basement leaks.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks in the foundation typically indicate an ongoing problem. Filling them may slow the progression of the crack, but it will not solve the problem permanently. Instead, they must first be stabilized and reinforced. This will ensure that the cracks are not allowed to progress to the point where structural damage occurs.
Large Cracks
Any crack, regardless of its direction, that is more than a quarter of an inch thick needs to be addressed by a basement waterproofing company. Homeowners can trust the professionals at Toledo Basement Repair to responsibly evaluate any new or continuing foundation cracks and suggest appropriate solutions. Call today to find out more before that minor problem becomes a serious hassle. You can also like them on Facebook for more information.
