Finding Foundation Cracks, And When You Should Be Concerned.

Foundation cracks and when you should be concerned are questions we address often. Most homes built from concrete, brick, and block start to sustain some foundation cracks over time. However, it’s important to always carefully monitor these to head off possible costly foundation repair costs if a problem is left unchecked. Early treatment of foundation cracks helps prevent more excessive damage to the home.

SOIL SETTLING AND POOR DRAINAGE

Your home’s foundation usually starts to crack excessively because of soil settling issues and poor drainage. Usually, the first indication that a problem has started is seen inside the house. If the doors start to stick or cracks in the drywall occur and flooring separates or cracks, and windows become difficult to open or close, there just might be a problem starting in the foundation.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Start with a visual inspection of the foundation and walls. Look down the length of the house and foundation. Does it look relatively straight or is there evidence of bowing, bulging, or curving? If you notice any shift in the home’s walls and foundation this might be the first clue that the soil around the house has started to expand or contract. Over time, the home’s foundation cannot take the pressure and will manifest itself as a crack.

If your home has a crawl space, check for any standing water or moist soil. If you see puddles this could indicate poor drainage in the soil beneath the home. Ideally, the area in a crawl space should always be dry. If water or moisture is detected, further investigations need to be performed to identify the source.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU FIND FOUNDATION CRACKS

A professional can evaluate the foundation cracks and soil conditions around the home to determine how severe the problem is and what is required to correct the issues. Typically, having proper drainage around your home is a key component in maintaining a healthy and long-lasting foundation.

At Rogue Inspection Services, we’ll look closely at your home’s foundation and the soil conditions around your home’s perimeter so we can offer a professional repair solution for your specific foundation issue. In most instances, you may not even need a repair.