Have you ever noticed a small crack in one of your walls or along the baseboard? It may not look like much, but that tiny line is a clue that there may be something going on in your foundation, and you shouldn’t ignore it.
Foundation cracks aren’t just cosmetic; they’re just one of the first signs that your home is reacting to soil movement or moisture changes. Left unchecked, this small crack can escalate and turn into structural problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about foundation cracks, what causes them, and why you should act quickly to fix them.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Most foundation problems start below the surface, with the soil itself. Certain types of soil shrink and swell, putting pressure on your foundation. Even a flat slab can develop cracks over time if the ground underneath your home isn’t stable.
There are many other reasons foundation cracks can manifest. Another common one is water damage caused by a poor drainage system that pools moisture near the foundation. Aggressive roots growing into your foundation and construction issues, like poor-quality concrete, can also create weak spots that eventually crack.
Where Do Foundation Cracks Typically Appear?
Cracks can appear in many areas around the home. That includes basement walls, crawl spaces, and even garage floors. These are the places where your foundation interacts most with soil and moisture.
Floors and walls all over the home can also show vertical and horizontal lines that indicate pressure from the ground. Corners and joints in a stepped foundation are especially vulnerable since they carry more stress than flat sections of a foundation. By keeping an eye on these high-stress areas, you can detect potential issues with your foundation before they turn into full-blown disasters.
Why Ignoring These Cracks Is a Serious Mistake
Foundation cracks may seem minor at first glance. However, letting them slide can lead to many structural problems and expensive repairs. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore a blatant problem involving your home’s foundation.
Compromises Your Home’s Structural Integrity
Over time, cracks in walls and floors can weaken load-bearing areas. This can result in sagging floors, misaligned doors and windows, and increased chances of your home collapsing. Acting early can help prevent these problems from worsening.
Water Damage
Foundation cracks create a path for water to travel through and seep into basements and crawl spaces. Over time, this can lead to mold growth, rotting wood, and the corrosion of metals. Fixing cracks promptly protects your home from this type of water damage.
Decreases Your Home’s Resale Value
Large visible cracks are a huge red flag to potential buyers and devalue your home. Even minor cracks can make buyers question the overall stability of your property and keep them from laying down an offer. If you’ve invested in basement renovations in the hopes of boosting your property’s value, that work could go to waste if the foundation is damaged.
Steps to Take When You Notice Cracks
Acting quickly when you notice a crack on a baseboard or wall makes all the difference in safeguarding your home. Here are some immediate steps to take as soon as you see the signs of foundation problems.
Check for Other Warning Signs of Foundation Damage
Foundation cracks rarely appear in isolation. If you look around, it’s likely that you’ll find other signs of foundation damage. Look for uneven floors, or doors and windows that don’t open as smoothly as they did before. These are all signs that your foundation is under a lot of pressure and will give you an idea of how bad the damage is.
Control Water Around Your Foundation
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to a foundation, especially when there are already many cracks throughout the house. Do your best to control the water around your foundation. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water several feet away from the home instead of right into your foundation. Repair any leaks inside the house right away, too. Proper water management prevents soil from moving too much and can prevent cracks from worsening.
Call in the Professionals
If the cracks look significant and are fast-growing, it’s time to call the professionals. RS Foundations- foundation repair experts can assess the damage to your foundation and determine the root cause. Then, these professionals will recommend and perform the most effective repairs to restore peace of mind in your home’s foundation.
Endnote
When you see a crack in your home’s foundation, your house is trying to tell you to get it checked. Ignoring these lines can put your floors, walls, and basement at risk. The steps above are essential if you want to keep your home safe and solid after finding cracks. When you take all these steps to safeguard your home as soon as you see cracks, they won’t stand a chance.