Types of Foundation Cracks & How to Deal with Them

Discovering cracks in your foundation can be daunting, but there are different levels of concern and different causes. Not all of them lead to catastrophic consequences, some might be due to the house settling or due to water damage. If so, you may need water damage restoration in San Diego to solve the issue.

A water damaged foundation sounds more serious than when you need to dry wet furniture efficiently, but this isn’t always the case. The former might be a very small problem, while the latter could be due to a leaking ceiling. Here’s what you need to know about foundation cracks.

What to do if foundation is cracked?

If you discover a foundation crack in your home, don’t despair, it’s not the end of the world. When you notice signs such as doors or windows jamming or see cracks in walls and floors, here’s what you should do.What to do if foundation is cracked

  • Inspect the exterior – Go outside and check if the walls are straight and if there are any bulges in the foundation blocks.
  • Look for weaknesses – Use a screwdriver to poke the concrete foundation for possible chips or break offs.
  • Check the structure – In San Diego houses with basements or crawl spaces, find posts or concrete supports and determine whether they are upright and firm. No water or moisture should be here.
  • Call the pros – Determine the type of crack if you can and call the professionals for an expert opinion.

Which type of foundation cracks are most serious?

There are four different types of foundation cracks, as follows.

Vertical cracks

This is the most common and least serious type of foundation crack. It is usually the result of a new house foundation settling down the first few years after construction. When it’s within 30 degrees diagonal, the repair is not hard nor expensive.

Diagonal cracks

Cracks within 30 to 75 degrees can be the consequence of uneven structural settling in San Diego, meaning they can be wider at one end. The uneven tension might indicate a more serious problem, but the remedy might be pretty simple.

Horizontal cracks

A more serious type of problem, usually the consequence of water pressure from outside the walls. Although foundations are made to handle the pressure of water, floods and heavy rains can create dangerous horizontal cracks.

Stair-step cracks

They are a subcategory of diagonal cracks with potentially more serious effects. They occur in brick or block foundations, also due to a differential settlement of the house.

When should I be concerned about foundation problemsWhen should I be concerned about foundation problems?

Good news is that only large cracks are signs of significant structural damage. For most of the smaller, hairline cracks you don’t need to worry as much. Of course they should prompt a reaction, but the overall repair costs will not be that high.

Some of the cracks which are the consequences of subsoil settlement can be fixed with a simple treatment, but you need a professional estimate for that. DIY solutions are especially not recommended in cases with excess outside moisture and when the cracks are expanding over time. The time when you should act immediately is when a portion of the wall is misaligned with another portion.

For supreme Water Damage restoration in San Diego, call KIC Restoration

No matter how big or small your foundation cracks, you will require professional help. With KIC Restoration, you will receive expert services related to all types of water damage and foundation cracks. Relax your mind at San Diego’s Water Wonderland, while we make sure your home is in tip-top condition. Waste no time, call us today!