Foundation cracks are a major cause of structural failure and safety hazards, so it is critical that you know how to fix foundation cracks effectively. This article will provide basic information about the cause of the cracks and how to repair them.
When a basement or crawlspace foundation is originally built, the soil layer in the area is in good condition. However, over time cracks may form due to age, lack of maintenance, or changes in the soil structure beneath the building's foundation. If the cracks continue to grow, then an unstable condition may develop under the building's foundation Tempe, AZ.
A foundation of poor quality may leak, cause flooding, and the surface conditions beneath it deteriorates. Excessive water intrusion can cause basement damage or leaks, lead to sewer backups, and cause structural damage to the home. A foundation crack may be caused by any of these events. In addition, bad or improper grading or improper drainage can also cause foundation damage.
Poorly designed or constructed basements can also cause serious damage if the problem cannot be foaddressed properly, but good foundation repair requires more than simply repairing the cracks. Water erosion and problems caused by standing water may require different remediation procedures, so it is important to determine the root cause of the cracks.
A stem wall is the part of the foundation wall that extends beneath the home. It is made up of materials that are generally not suitable for heavy or wet work, such as wood, concrete, and bricks. Structural flaws are usually found in these areas of the foundation. Occasionally, significant structural damage may occur due to all types of foundations problems.
The most typical causes of foundation cracks are excessive moisture or flooding, loose framing, and poor waterproofing of the house. Poor foundations often result from either of these causes. To resolve foundation problems that are caused by moisture, the soil must be thoroughly drained of water, and the foundation walls must be rebuilt to prevent leakage.
Proper waterproofing and materials selection are a necessity when repairing foundation cracks. Once the foundation has been properly repaired, then any repairs must be completed to prevent soil instability or structural problems. To achieve the best results in this type of foundation repair, consult with a professional firm that specializes in foundation repair.
Foundation cracks often appear on top of the stem wall or shoring. Once the foundation wall has been built and a flat, stable soil foundation has been laid, it is time to address the stem wall.
Wood supports for the stem wall, such as joists and rafters, must be re-caulked and sealed against moisture. The stem wall and door jamb are the most likely places where moisture will collect over time. Improper caulking can result in cracking, buckling, and other structural issues.
Repairing foundation cracks on the stem wall is much more difficult than repairing cracks that occur in the basement walls or floor. Because it is the part of the foundation that contains all of the soil, cracks can happen on any portion of the stem wall. Newer homes built with one-story basements are typically built using stem walls that consist of an interior wall.
Finding the foundation cracks in the stem wall can be difficult because they occur in the base of the home, usually along the ground level. This can be a frustrating aspect of foundation repair work, but the work required to repair the cracked stem wall can be easier than repairing cracks in the basement floor or walls.
The solution to the problem is to use a repair kit that includes a stiffener tool to strengthen the stem wall of the foundation. Additionally, cement fillers and mold-release agents will help repair cracks on the stem wall to the point where complete repair is not necessary.
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