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Cracks in home foundations are among the most dangerous issues a homeowner can ever deal with. Flaws on the exterior part of the walls and floor also cause additional loss to the building’s structure, and this always comes with a hefty price for repair. People should understand the causes of foundation cracks and how to repair them and prevent other damages which threaten homes stability.
Common Causes of Foundation Cracks
There are many reasons why foundation cracks may develop, and most of them are associated with soil and weather conditions that are unique to your home. One of the main reasons is the soil’s disturbance, and it can be from expansion and contraction because of moisture levels. When there is excess water, most of the time, it causes the soil to erode, hence exerting pressure on the base, which results in bad drainage around the home area. In the same respect, the natural setting of a house, with time, usually promotes the formation of other small cracks.
Identifying Different Types of Cracks
It is necessary to differentiate between various types of foundation cracks as some of them may indicate a severe structural problem. Vertical cracks are less problematic and can be fixed easily as compared to horizontal cracks, which may occur due to the force exerted by the soil pressure or expansion and may prove to be dangerous for the building’s foundation. Diagonal cracks, on the other hand, appear at times when one side of the home slips down because the soil beneath has different levels of moisture or composition, also the weather and the types of soil in the area make the problem worse. Early non-invasive examinations and maintenance solutions reduce the risk of additional damage and protect your house structure in the long run. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a professional, especially when dealing with foundation repair.
Nowadays, you can easily find a reliable contractor as well, thanks to the internet, for instance if you reside in Kansas city and are looking for a foundation repair professional just search for foundation repair in Kansas City, on the internet and you’ll find potential leads.
Repairing Foundation Cracks
Different methods are used in repairing the cracks, and this highly depends on the severity and nature of the cracks found on the foundation. Opening less than 1mm may be mended by epoxy or polyurethane injection. Most of these materials only fill up the crack or void and create a barrier to water penetrating the foundation. In more severe cases, it may take the jack and entertain the services of a specialist who will underpin or conduct slab jacking to restore the foundation. It is important to repair or deal with cracks since it creates an opportunity to prevent any further degradation of the structure and expensive costs that may be incurred in the future.
Preventing Future Foundation Cracks
To prevent cracks in the foundation of your home, it is important to sustain the surrounding environment. Controlling the amount of moisture in the soil is another crucial factor. This can be done by ensuring the water drains away from the building, using downspouts, and maintaining an even moisture content of the ground. Do not plant trees within proximity to the foundation because roots exert pressure on the ground. Furthermore, daily checking of the state of the house structure and especially the foundation to find indicators of the disease presence is essential in order to avoid further deterioration.
Long-Term Maintenance for a Stable Foundation
It is crucial that you continuously maintain your home foundation for it to remain in its proper condition. It is recommended to carry out periodic checks, especially after a rainy season or during dry seasons, as this is in the early identification of the facts. It is also significant to monitor any existing cracks as the small cracks can expand over time. Sometimes, cracks can become wider, floors begin to sag, or doors stop fitting properly in their frame; these are signs that you should seek the services of a foundation specialist. Maintenance and repair will guarantee that the house is safe and that any reason will cause no future damage.
Conclusion
There are various causes of home foundation cracks, but if you recognize the problem in its early stages, little can go wrong. Learning about the reasons why your house’s foundation gets cracked, the variety of cracks, ways of repair and ways to prevent it would help you to avoid further deterioration of your house.
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