In 2018, the worldwide foundation services market value was $2.82 billion. It’s expected to grow at a 7.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) up to 2027.
Besides, it can be upsetting when you discover a crack in your building foundation. That’s because cracks can signify extensive damage to the house foundation; costly building repairs are a must.
Still, you may notice a crack and wonder if all types of foundation cracks are the same. Or if certain cracks are a cause for concern more than others.
Looking at a foundation crack can tell you about the extent of the damage, including the cause.
Keep reading to understand the ten types of foundation cracks.
1. Horizontal Cracks
These types of foundation cracks are serious because the cause is the hydrostatic water pressure and unbalanced soil. There are cracks once you notice leakages in your basement, and the foundation is leaning inwards.
They are most common in cold regions, though the cracks can occur anywhere. The cause is the constant freezing and melting cycle. They cause unbalanced pressure on the walls when not fixed early.
2. Vertical Cracks
They are not as serious as horizontal foundation cracks. Hence there is no threat to the building structure. The most typical reasons for this crack are foundation settling and the concrete curing process.
When concrete settles and hardens with time, it causes vertical cracks to run up and down the walls. The same happens when the foundation doesn’t settle well.
Unlike the horizontal foundation cracks, you don’t need professional help to fix them. Buy a DIY kit and repair the wall using epoxy. But there are professional foundation repair services you can hire to help you with the building repairs.
3. Hairline Cracks
These cracks are common; hence people don’t worry too much about them. As the foundation settles and dries over the year, the cracks form.
New constructions must face this problem. But, they are not dangerous to the whole building structure. You also do not need a professional to fix them because you can have a crack repair DIY project. But, if you don’t feel like doing the work, you can contact foundation maintenance services to assist you.
4. Stair Step Cracks
They begin along mortar joints and threaten the foundation of concrete structures. With block foundations, stair-step cracks are obvious to happen.
The crack is due to two major causes. The first one is moisture. When there is much moisture in the air, cracks will appear in the building foundation.
The foundation itself is the second cause. You notice these cracks when the foundation is not strong and there is sinking in a few areas.
5. Diagonal Cracks
These types are not harmful to structural integrity, like hairline and vertical cracks. They are like vertical cracks, with the only difference being 30 degrees in alignment to the basement wall.
As the foundation concrete hardens and settles over time, these cracks appear. You can use epoxy injections to repair the cracks.
The DIY repair kit costs around $75 if you want to repair it yourself, or you can also contact building maintenance services to assist you.
6. Shrinkage Cracks
Once the concrete dries and loses moisture, shrinkage cracks start to form. They start appearing within the first year of construction, like the hairline cracks.
These cracks are like vertical cracks. That’s because they don’t threaten the structural integrity of your building foundation. Even so, if your location has Radon Gas, high levels pose a huge risk to the building basement.
The gas leaks through the basement and damages the structure. They also result in harmful side effects for house occupancies. In such a case, you have to contact foundation maintenance services immediately.
7. Foundation Slab Cracks
These cracks appear after the natural curing of concrete. They are not dangerous to the foundation.
Other non-threatening reasons exist behind foundation slab cracks, such as settlement issues. Poor soil conditions, artistry, and frost are the minor reasons causing the foundation cracks.
8. Structural Foundation Cracks
These cracks are the serious ones. They threaten structural integrity when the shapes of the cracks are horizontal and ¼ inches wide.
Soil shrinkage, pressure, and temperature changes are the main cause of these cracks. Epoxy will not be enough to fix the condition. You have to hire foundation maintenance services to fix such cracks.
9. Non-Structural Foundation Cracks
These cracks after the foundation leaks during a rainstorm or after snow melts. They are not threatening to the structural integrity. But, water seepage will result in future problems.
Water leaking through the cracks can damage the floor, wall, personal belongings and cause mold to build up. When you assume this cracks for a long time, the situation will become more serious.
Check for these foundation cracks when doing your building repairs and fix them.
10. Wet Non-Structural Cracks
The cracks appear once the concrete starts to dry. The evaporating water from the structure results in foundation shrinkage.
More shrinkage will occur if the mix is too wet, leading to more cracks. Due to the natural concrete curing process, cracks in the foundation appear to give way to water seepage.
You need a sealant material such as urethane to repair these cracks. Urethane is flexible enough to inject through the foundation cracks.
Consider Fixing the Above Types of Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can be either harmless or cause a major problem to the foundation integrity. Knowing the types of foundation cracks will help you know which ones to take seriously or when to call a professional for help.
At LUX Foundation Solutions, we have you covered with all your building repairs. We aim to bring construction to a new level. We use the latest construction techniques and state-of-the-art computer systems.
Contact us now to receive the best foundation repair services.