When You Find Horizontal or Vertical Cracks
Buyers Ask confirms that “98% of the homes in the United States have foundations constructed out of concrete, masonry blocks, or brick, all of which tend to crack when there is movement and excessive stress.” Thus, it’s vital for homeowners to regularly inspect their foundations for cracks. Fortunately, not all foundation cracks are serious. So the question is, how do you know when they do require your immediate attention? Our experts break down when you should worry about foundation cracks.
If you notice horizontal cracks in your home’s brick or concrete walls, these indicate that there are major structural issues. Excessive soil pressure usually causes these types of cracks, so if you ignore them, your foundation may collapse. On the same hand, vertical cracks can signify problems, too—especially if you find that a crack is wider at the top than the bottom. If the soil has settled around your home, you may see these cracks.
Now, there can be times when horizontal and vertical cracks shouldn’t concern you; these cracks may simply be due to aging concrete. Either way, you should always check with your trusted professionals, especially if you’ve seen them expand over time.
When Your Home Starts to Shift
Do you see changes in your living space? The seemingly innocent cracks in your basement may be signs of something much larger than you originally expected. If you’re having trouble opening and closing your doors and windows, or if you see bowing walls or sloped floors, it’s time to seek professional help. Otherwise, you’re going to find more cracks as time goes on.
No matter the type of foundation crack, your local basement waterproofing company can repair it easily and rapidly. The Real Seal proudly provides unparalleled foundation repair services to Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Our technicians permanently repair cracks, and our customers receive total peace of mind knowing they’ll have worry-free basements.
