Foundation Wall Cracks

What Are Cracks in Foundation Walls? 

Your home’s foundation walls bear the immense responsibility of supporting the structure above. Over time, a range of pressures and soil conditions can lead to cracks in the foundation. These cracks serve as indicators that your foundation walls are under stress and susceptible to further damage if left unattended. 

Cracks, even when initially small, have the potential to expand and allow water entry, resulting in additional problems. Wider cracks can compromise the structural integrity, potentially leading to wall bowing, tilting, or buckling. Timely repairs can strengthen your home’s structure and prevent costly future damage. 

What Causes Cracks in Foundation Walls   

Several factors contribute to the formation of foundation wall cracks, a professional can determine the cause for your specific cracks. 

Below are some common reasons: 

Concrete Shrinkage 

As new concrete cures, it undergoes slight shrinkage, which can lead to the development of small cracks in walls. These shrinkage cracks are typically less than 1/8″ wide and do not significantly widen from top to bottom. They pose minimal structural risk. 

Foundation Settlement 

Settlement occurs when the soil beneath the foundation compacts or shifts, causing uneven sinking. Settlement cracks often originate in a corner and follow a stair-step pattern down a cinder block wall or run diagonally on a poured wall. Such cracks indicate ongoing movement, necessitating immediate foundation repair. 

Clay Soils 

Expansive clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, exerting substantial pressure on foundation walls. Cracks develop as walls bow or lean in response to clay’s force. If left unattended, clay soil can lead to wall buckling or inward tilting. 

Hydrostatic Pressure 

After rainfall or snowmelt, wet soil exerts hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls, regardless of soil type. Concrete walls are susceptible to cracking under this intense lateral force.  

Subpar Construction 

Weak points resulting from substandard installation, inadequate steel reinforcement, or low-quality concrete can also contribute to foundation wall cracks. 

Identifying Foundation Cracks 

Early detection of cracks allows for timely repairs, preventing major damage. Keep an eye out for: 

• Vertical cracks 
• Horizontal cracks or stair-step patterns 
• Cracks exceeding 1/4 inch 
• Cracks displaying rust stains from exposed rebar 
• Cracks accompanied by other signs such as sticking doors and windows, floor gaps, or sloping floors 
• Changes over time, such as new cracking or widening of existing cracks 

Conduct a thorough examination of both interior and exterior foundation walls, making note of crack locations and measuring their widths.  

If you have any concerns, seek advice from foundation repair experts. 

Can You Repair Foundation Wall Cracks? 

Absolutely! It is possible to fix those cracks in your foundation walls. But here’s the deal: while basic crack fillers might provide a quick fix, they’re not a long-term solution, and those cracks will return. 

To tackle those foundation cracks properly, we need to get to the root of the issue. Once we figure out why those cracks showed up in the first place, we can create a personalized plan to make your foundation rock solid. 

With our advanced solutions, we can permanently strengthen your foundation, putting an end to those cracks and restoring your home’s stability. 

How to Fix Cracks in Foundation Walls 

Wall Anchors 

If those cracks are a result of clay soils or hydrostatic pressure, our SettleStop® Wall Anchor System is the way to go. We install earth anchors in the ground outside your home, and they connect to steel rods running through your foundation wall. By tightening these rods, we counteract the external forces causing those cracks and bowing. 

Wall Braces 

In those tight spots where getting outside isn’t an option, we bring in our IntelliBrace® steel I-beam supports. These braces work from the inside to stabilize your walls and even have the potential to straighten them, closing existing cracks. 

Foundation Piers 

For settlement cracks, we install foundation piers under your foundation. Piers not only stabilize but also potentially lift those sinking areas, working to close those cracks. Stabilization is the key to preventing more cracks from forming due settlement. 

Drainage 

Installing interior drainage is crucial to prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure that can lead to wall cracks. Our interior drains guide groundwater into a sump pump, redirecting it away from your home’s structure. 

By combining these solutions, we make sure your existing cracks get repaired, and your walls are fortified against future damage. 

Why Repair Foundation Wall Cracks Now? 

Don’t ignore those cracks in your foundation walls—they’re not just cosmetic issues. 

Here’s why you should to act now: 

At Innovative Basement Authority, we’re all about restoring your foundation’s strength using tried-and-true methods. And guess what? Our solutions come with long-lasting, transferable warranties. 

Contact Innovative Basement Authority for Foundation Crack Solutions  

FAQs

Will A Foundation Crack or Leak Resolve Itself?

Unfortunately, foundation cracks or leaks do not resolve themselves over time. It’s best to take action as soon as you suspect something may be wrong with your home, especially if you want to prevent your home from losing some of its value.

Can I DIY Foundation Repair?

At first glance, it can appear cheaper or easier to fill in the foundation cracks yourself. However, repair jobs that lack the experience of a foundation repair expert (like those at Innovative Basement Authority) can merely disguise the problem rather than fix it. 

Should I Be Worried About Foundation Settlement?

Absolutely. Your foundation is like the backbone of your home. When it gets damaged, it can affect your entire property, and the issues won’t magically disappear—they’ll only get worse over time.