If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to know what causes house foundation cracks. That’s because gaps in foundations can indicate that you have foundation damage and will ultimate need repairs. That’s not an inexpensive proposition. To be on the safe side, if you see issues, contact a foundation repair company or licensed structural engineer. They can perform a thorough evaluation.
Primary Causes Of House Foundation Cracks:
- Foundation movement. Any shifting in your house foundation can ultimately lead to trouble. In areas such as Dallas, Fort Worth, TX, cracks often appear in homes that have slab foundations due to volatile clay soils in the area. Hot temperatures also adversely affect concrete slabs. It is common to require house foundation repair.
- Plumbing leaks. Regardless of what type of foundation you have, leaks in your pipes can cause breaks in your foundation that will weaken it. Even small cracks 1/8″ wide can be problematic. A hydrostatic plumbing test is sometimes needed to determine if there is a leak or not.
- Hydrostatic pressure resulting due to inadequate drainage. High volumes of rainfall create pressure around your house foundation. Drainage systems such as a French drain can help relieve that pressure. If water enters the crevices of your house foundation, you may notice a wet floor or damp carpet somewhere in your home. A drainage contractor can offer solid advice.
- Foundation Upheaval. Water beneath your home can cause it to lift up, particularly in the middle. The force of the water under your concrete slab foundation can lead to cracking. If this is the case with your house, take corrective measure right away. You’ll want to determine where the source of the problem is. It could be the result of a plumbing leak or a drainage issue.
- Shoddy construction. If your concrete slab was poured incorrectly, gaps may become visible. Of course, it is natural for a new home to settle a little bit after construction. Hairline cracks are nothing to be concerned about. If you see 1/2″ – 1″ gaps, that’s a whole different thing. If your home is very new, the best thing to do is contact your homebuilder.
How To Protect Your House Foundation:
Because there are so many causes of house foundation cracks, you’ll want to inspect your foundation from time to time. You should also examine your exterior brick and sheetrock. If you see horizontal, vertical or even stair-step cracks in your walls or brick, you could have an underlying problem. If you live in an area where the summers are extremely hot, water your foundation on a regular basis. Residential property owners in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, can contact HD Foundations. We provide free evaluations.