What do foundation cracks look like

At USS, we offer foundation repair financing to help homeowners make necessary home improvements with greater flexibility and less financial stress.

We have low payment options available through EnerBank. All Rights Reserved. Request A Free Estimate. Guide to Foundation Cracks. When are foundation cracks serious? Here's what to look for, plus methods for preventing and repairing foundation cracks. Home Guide to Foundation Cracks. Types of Foundation Cracks: Causes and Severity. Are vertical cracks in foundation bad?

Are step cracks serious? Are horizontal foundation cracks always bad? Should I worry about hairline cracks in my foundation? Request a Free Estimate. When is a Foundation Crack Serious? Sticking doors and windows. Separation of foundation walls from soil. Trim pulled away from windows. Uneven floors. Rotten wood support beams. Fireplace rotating away from the roofline. Cracks around doors and windows. Wide cracks in drywall. What Causes a House Foundation to Crack?

Cracks of this type are a sign of differential settlement horizontal and vertical tension , which can cause serious structural problems in the home. They occur when sections of your home settle faster than others. Diagonal cracks are common in homes built on a hill or homes with rapidly deteriorating soil conditions because of drought or heavy rainfall. Just like vertical cracks, these cracks are repaired the same ways as vertical cracks.

The only difference is that it requires more material to stop future movement. In case you notice cracks that run diagonally at 30 to 75 degrees, ask your basement contractor to come and do an inspection and determine the location of the settlement.

Of all the foundation cracks, the stair-step cracks are the most dangerous. They normally run in a diagonal line and assail concrete blocks and brick foundations. Cracks start in a joint or at the end of the wall then taper down or climb up. Hairline cracks are a common feature in many Denver, CO, homes.

These cracks often start from offset corners at 90 degrees , then spread out across the room. Afterward, you can fill them up with caulk or hydraulic cement. This is a no brainer. Cracks can grow and worsen over time, compounding your problems and making them costly to fix. They are caused by the foundation settling overtime or the natural concrete curing process. The most common repair for vertical cracks is an epoxy or polyurethane crack injection. Renco Tip: If there is no moisture and you cannot fit a quarter in the crack there is no immediate threat.

You can take photos and monitor crack or repair with epoxy injection. Like vertical cracks, most diagonal foundation cracks do not pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of your foundation. They are found running a maximum 30 degrees of vertical and caused by the natural curing of the concrete foundation wall or settlement over time. Renco Tip: When you spot a diagonal crack snap a photo and document the date. If the crack is a hairline and a quarter cannot fit into it, you need not worry.

Check back in 6 months, if the crack has continued to grow call a foundation professional for guidance. Like hairline cracks, shrinkage foundation cracks happen when poured concrete foundations begin to dry out and lose moisture. New home builds are prone to shrinkage cracks within the first year. These cracks are often vertical and pose no structural threat to your foundation. The biggest risk is if you are in an area with high levels of Radon Gas that leak into your basement.

Renco Tip: If you are in a new home build, contact your builder about your home warranty. Shrinkage foundations may be covered. If not, snap a photo and document crack. If it grows or you discover more cracks investigate having an epoxy crack injection repair. Poured concrete slabs are prone to developing cracks over time. The challenge is understanding why the foundation slab crack occurred. There are three common reasons:. Renco Tip: If the crack is larger than a hairline, call a foundation expert to get on advice on the cause and options to repair.

A non-structural foundation crack is one that does not pose a threat to the structure of the home, and typically only results in leaks during rain storms or when snow is melting.

Despite the lack of structural threat in this case, water seeping into your basement is still a serious matter that requires attention. Water leaking into your home can ruin your belongings, walls and floors, and contribute to the growth of mold.

Left unattended, these types of cracks may also get worse. Renco Tip: Concreate basement walls can have small cosmetic cracks due to the natural curing process. If your crack is between 1 to 2mm and runs vertical or diagonal it may be non-structural.