Foundation Problem Focus: Cracks

Foundation Cracks

One of the signs of foundation problems and foundation settlement are foundation cracks. There are many different types of foundation and wall cracks that can mean different things. Knowing what to look for is important. The nature of the crack will determine what type of repair needs to be done.

Foundation cracks and foundation problems can be caused by the ever-changing soil conditions beneath the foundation. If the soil becomes too wet, it will heave and when dry, it will shrink. This constant movement of the soil beneath the foundation will cause the foundation to move and create cracks. Foundation cracks and what they may indicate:

• Hairline cracks in the mortar – These are usually not cause for concern
• Cracks at an L-shape section – These are cracks that are usually where the foundation steps down to follow a hillside. These are probably shrinkage cracks especially if they taper down to a hairline crack. These are usually not structural issues, but they do need to be plugged to keep the basement or crawl space dry.
• Stair-step cracks in the masonry joints – These cracks are a bigger concern especially if the wall is bulging or if the crack is wider than 1/4 inch. This could mean foundation problems.
• Horizontal cracks – These are the most serious cracks. It indicates that the water-saturated soil has frozen and expanded, pushing in the walls and damaging the foundation. This is an indication that you may be in need of foundation repair.

If you notice any type of cracks in and around your home or foundation, it is important to have a professional inspect your home and see if you are in need of foundation repair. The foundation of the home is the most important part of the building. The entire structure sits on the foundation and if it is damaged, the entire structure will become unstable.

The professionals at Basement Masters Waterproofing can come and give you a no-cost evaluation and examine your cracks and your entire foundation. If it is determined that you are in need of foundation repair, we have the solutions to get your foundation back to its original level and structurally sound again.

Foundation Crack Repair Solutions in Virginia

If Basement Masters Waterproofing finds that you are in need of foundation repair, we use underpinning products such as steel piers to level and stabilize the foundation. These piers are driven deep into the ground through the unstable soil layers until they reach a solid soil layer. Then each pier is individually load tested. After load testing, the entire weight of the structure is lifted onto the piers. This will level and stabilize the structure for many years to come.

If you have bowing or leaning walls, wall anchors are used to pull the wall back to its original level. These anchors are installed into the soil adjacent to the foundation and work by applying pressure that counteracts pressure. Once the anchors have been installed into the soil near the wall, a hole is drilled through the interior basement wall. Then a rod is inserted through the hole and attached to the anchor. A plate is then installed over the rod on the interior of the wall and used to tighten the rod. The wall will then be pulled back into place. This also strengthens the wall so that there won’t be any future bowing or leaning of the wall.

If your wall cracks are due to foundation settlement, Basement Masters Waterproofing uses epoxy crack injections to fix the cracks. These epoxy injections fill the cracks and seals out moisture and bind the faces together to hold the foundation together.

Contact Basement Masters Waterproofing for any foundation crack repair. We have the experience and products to get your foundation cracks repaired and keep your foundation safe for years to come.