Foundations are one of the most important parts of your home. The foundation keeps your home standing and level.
But over time, foundations can settle and crack. So, what causes foundations to crack and what can you do about it?
Reasons Why Cracks Occur
There are a few different reasons that might cause your foundation to crack.
- The first is simply due to age. As your foundation settles, cracks might start to form. This is especially true if your home is built on clay or other expansive soils. When the soil picks up moisture, it will expand. This puts pressure on your foundation and can cause cracks.
- Another reason for cracking is when there’s a change in temperature. Soil contracts when it’s cold and expands when it’s hot outside. That movement puts pressure on your foundation, which can lead to cracking as well.
- Lastly, you might see cracks form if there’s poor drainage around your foundation or if there is any water damage done to your home.
What Should You Do If You See A Crack In Your Foundation?
Now that you know some of the reasons behind why cracks might appear in your foundation, let’s talk about what you should do if you see one.
If the crack is less than 1/8th of an inch wide, then you probably don’t have anything to worry about. These are usually just due to the house settling and they aren’t a structural issue.
If the crack is wider than 1/8th of an inch, then you should have a professional come take a look at it as this could be indicative of a larger problem like shifting soil or poor drainage around your home.
Why Get A Professional?
A basement expert will be able to tell you for sure what the problem is and how best to fix it so that your foundation lasts for years to come!
Cracks in your foundation can be scary, but knowing the cause and how to fix them can help put your mind at ease.
At Capstone Waterproofing Solutions, we’re making sure your home is safe and sound for you and your loved ones. We offer a complete and reliable foundation repair service at a fair and reasonable price in Washington DC and surroundings.
If you have any questions or concerns about cracks in your foundation, don’t hesitate to reach out at (202) 389-9121, or request a quote from your local basement expert!