foundation cracks

Common Misconceptions about Foundation Cracks

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Foundation Cracks

If you’ve spotted some foundation cracks, you’re probably searching the internet for more information about them and what you should do. It is not uncommon to come across misleading information.

As a homeowner, you’re not expected to know or understand all the information about foundation cracks that you come across. However, it is important to verify this information. Taking action on misleading information can result in damage that could be even more expensive to repair.

The following are common misconceptions that you should avoid when it comes to the repair of cracks in foundations:

  • Cracks originate from problems that occurred when laying the foundation

Although some cracks are caused by problems that originated during the construction phase, some cracks are caused by problems that occur underneath the foundation. The condition of the soil that surrounds the foundation plays a major role in determining the health of the foundation. It is therefore important to ensure that this soil is healthy and able to support your foundation.

  • You can use hi-tech sealants to permanently fix cracks in foundations

Modern sealants made of polyurethane or epoxy are quite effective in sealing foundation cracks. They are strong and flexible. They do a great job for patchwork but aren’t a permanent solution for foundation cracks.

Cracks in the foundation are often a sign of a deeper problem. If the issue that caused the cracks in the first place is not addressed, then further damage to your foundation will occur. In some cases, the damage may be worse than the cracks you fixed with the sealant.

  • It’s better to replace a damaged foundation than to repair it

Unsuspecting homeowners may be tricked by unscrupulous contractors into replacing their foundations instead of repairing them. They are under the misguided notion that replacing, although more expensive, is a long lasting solution.

A truly experienced contractor will tell you that this isn’t always the best solution. As mentioned previously, it is important to determine the underlying cause of foundation damage before determining what solution to apply.

Replacing the damaged foundation may not always solve the problem. You’re just placing a new foundation that will likely suffer the same fate as the old one.

  • You can ignore small cracks in a concrete foundation

It is true that concrete cracks as it settles. However, small cracks in foundations can result in more serious problems as they allow water to seep through. Any and all foundation cracks ought to be inspected by a professional to ensure that the underlying cause is identified.

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Impact of Melting Snow on Your Foundation

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Melting Snow

The basement is probably the last thing you’d think about when winter rolls around. However, it is important to ensure that your basement is ready for the winter. Melting snow can have a big impact on your basement if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

Impact of melting snow on your foundation

Many people get concerned about their foundations and basement during the rainy seasons. But the snow can also have a negative impact including the following:

  • Water seepage and buildup of moisture
    When snow melts, it turns into water. This water seeps into the ground. If large volumes of snow have piled around your home, it will melt and the water will seep into the soil surrounding your home’s foundation.The excess water in the soil can seep into your home through any space it will find including cracks in the wall, the point at which the wall meets the floor or right above the foundation wall. If you have window wells for your basement windows, you can be sure that water will find its way into your basement through these wells.
    You’ll then be dealing with a moisture problem or at its worst, a flooded basement.
  • Formation of foundation cracks
    The increased amount of water due to the melting snow results in increased hydrostatic pressure in the soil. This results in increased pressure against the walls of your foundation. This can result in the formation of cracks in the foundation or even worse, bowing foundation walls.
  • Damaged discharge line
    When you have a working sump pump, flooded basements won’t worry you as much. However, watch out for the health of your sump pump’s discharge line during the winter. If the pipe is pitched improperly then water resulting from melting snow or that which has been pumped out of the basement can easily settle in the pipe and freeze. This results in obstruction of the pipe.

How to prepare for winter

  • Get professional help for waterproofing
    Don’t wait until the last minute to get a professional in to waterproof your basement. Start the planning early and ensure that the work is done before the winter sets in. It will be almost impossible to work under freezing temperatures in the winter.
  • Don’t get lazy
    Ensure that snow does not build around your home. Shovel snow on your driveway and around the walls of your home. Keep it away from the foundation of your home.
  • Check gutters and downspouts
    Have your gutters and downspouts checked to ensure that they are clear. They should also be able to guide runoff away from your foundation.
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Using the Revolutionary StablWall Carbon Fiber for Permanent Foundation Repair

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StablWall Carbon Fiber

Which is the weakest link to your home’s strength? You might be surprised to learn that it is the foundation. Immediately the contractor leaves the site, the effects of nature start bombarding the foundation walls.  From lateral and hydrostatic pressure to heaving soils and floods, your foundation has lots of problems to contend with.

Inevitably, problems such as cracks start appearing and this complicates things even further. According to the National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA), over 89% of homes less than 10 years old have such problems. To remedy this, StablWall carbon fiber technology comes in handy.

This is an invasive solution to foundation problems. The carbon fiber is used in cracked walls together with a resin to create a permanent bond that prevents further deterioration of the foundation. The carbon fiber sheets permanently bond to concrete thus providing the best solution for your problematic walls.

But why opt for this technology instead of others such as excavation and slab jacking? Here are some thoughts:

  1. Tested and Proven Technology

For over 30 years, carbon fiber has been used in other industries including aerospace and the military. Through the years it has been discovered to be ten times stronger than steel beams. With such a rich heritage in these industries, it was a no-brainer that the construction industry was going to adopt the solution.

  1. Convenience

One of the most complicated activities in foundation repair is, of course, excavation. This is not only time consuming but a lot of labor input is needed. With StablWall carbon fiber, you have a convenient solution that does not need labor consuming excavation works.

  1. Durability

Once the carbon fiber sheet is affixed to the wall, it is virtually indestructible. Your walls are able to deal with any external pressure including saturated soil or surface water. Cracks that threaten your walls cannot affect the surface anymore and this effect is permanent.

  1. Cost Savings

Repairing bulging walls or any other type of foundation damage can drain your savings. This is more so if you have to excavate and fit in expensive steel piers. Carbon fiber and the high strength epoxy used to repair the walls are inexpensive compared to other available techniques.

  1. Aesthetic Touch

StablWall carbon fiber does not take off from the beauty of your walls. The thin strips do not affect the look of your home unlike most technologies in the market.

Well, you now have a more effective, cost-effective solution for your damaged foundation walls. Why would you go for any other technique?

foundation-repair

6 Tell-tale Signs that Your Home Needs Immediate Foundation Repair

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Foundation Repair

Now that you have lived in your home for the last few years, the last thing on your mind is of course repair works. However, you will be surprised to know that over 70% of homes over 8-10 years old develop foundation problems according to a study by the National Association of Realtors ® (NAR). Indeed, these specialists recommend regular checks to ascertain any damage to in order to start prompt foundation repair.

As a conscious homeowner, you need to be on the lookout in order to call in an expert when foundation problems arise. The best idea is to be armed with signs that pinpoint foundation damage in order to call in a contractor early enough. What are some of these signs? Here are some ideas:

  1. Wall and floor gaps: These are some of the most obvious signs and they are easy to notice. The floor will sink when the foundation cannot bear the load anymore or if there is a shift in the slab. Such damage must be remedied promptly using slab jacking among other techniques.
  2. Wall cracks: These can either be on the external or internal walls. In most cases, a sinking foundation will also cause cracks on the chimney. Whether they are horizontal or vertical cracks on your foundation wall, you must call a contractor to have a closer look lest you ignore a deeper underlying problem.
  3. Cracked moldings: If your floor and walls are covered by moldings you can tell when there is a problem if there are cracks. Corner and crown moldings will easily crack due to the pull of a sunken foundation or bowing walls.
  4. Jamming doors and windows: This is one of the most ignored tell-tale signs of foundation damage. Most homeowners will just call in a carpenter to do some repairs but the problem is much worse. This happens when the foundation is sinking towards the middle and is also accompanied by vertical cracks on the wall.
  5. Bowed and bulging walls: These problems are caused by water pressure from the soil surrounding the basement walls. When not repaired early enough, bowing walls can lead to collapse of the entire structure hence the need for professional diagnosis in case these signs are noted.
  6. Sinking foundation: This is one of the most dangerous foundation damage signs. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that you will not note the problem first. However, drywall crack and stuck windows are some of the indicators.

Well, your home needs the best foundation repair you can get and there is no better solution than going for a professional contractor in your city. Whatever you do, don’t ignore any of these damage signs.

foundation repair

Factors That Can Affect The Foundation of Your Home

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Foundation Repair

One of the most costly and significant mishaps that can happen to your home is foundation damage. An unsettled base, a few cracks or weak concrete can eventually lead up to extensive and expensive repairs. Following are some of the most common factors that can affect the foundation of your home.

Over-watering

Over-watering can happen in two ways. Excessive rain, and you watering the lawn and then the rain drenching it after a few hours. Excess water can make the soil expand. This adds pressure on the foundation that causes damage to the concrete. It is always better to water your lawn after checking the weather conditions.

Seasonal conditions

Weather changing dramatically, from wet to dry or dry to wet, can cause the soil underneath the home to swell and shrivel. This may cause extreme damage. An example is the dramatic seasonal change in the Midwest.

Plumbing leaks

A sizable plumbing leak can cause the water to seep into the soil around your house and cause damage. It can even cause the foundation to shift. A leak in the main line or the sanitary sewer is hard to detect. Usually, it is detected only after the homeowners notice visible structural issues.

Unprepared ground

It is essential to prepare the ground properly before laying the foundation for your home. A foundation needs a dependable and solid topsoil to support the home structure. A poor topsoil layer can cause damage to the home in the future.

Poor drainage

A home that does not have gutters or has downspouts that do not point in the right direction can create oversaturation of the soil, resulting in an unstable foundation. Improper drainage is one of the most common cause for foundation failure.

Landscape invasion

Beautiful landscaping is essential for a home, to increase curb appeal and to increase the property value. However, it is essential to plant trees and large bushes, at least, five feet away from the structure. Overgrowth and transpiration of tree roots can cause the soil beneath the home to dehydrate and shrivel, which will cause damage to the structure.

Improper construction

If the foundation is constructed with substandard concrete and insufficient steel, it will cause the structure to weaken and shift, in the future. It is very important to stick to proper building codes while constructing your home.

Poor soil conditions (expansive clay soils), improper construction of a swimming pool that results in water seeping into the soil, and improper home renovations are some of the other factors that can affect the foundation of your home, which can, in turn, lead to an expensive repair job.

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How to Diagnose Bowing Foundation Walls

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Bowing Foundation Walls

Foundation walls are already under a lot of pressure from supporting the building above them as well as the soil around them. However, they can come under even more stress when there is inconsistent pressure against them. The integrity of the foundation wall can be put at risk from inconsistent pressure, especially during times of extreme rainfall or drought.

When there is extreme drought, the soil that supports the foundation walls dries and shrinks away from the foundation. Gaps are formed between the foundation wall and surrounding soil leaving little support for the foundation wall. During seasons of heavy rainfall, water seeps into the soil and increases the amount of hydrostatic pressure against the foundation wall as the soil expands to accommodate more water. These extremes result in bowing foundation walls.

Are your foundation walls bowing?

Foundation walls are considered to be bowed or bulging when a part of the wall is pushed inward. This point should be pushed further inward than the bottom or top of the wall. The bowing or bulging occurs before any cracks begin to present themselves. The bulging is therefore the first sign of bowing foundation walls.

Many people mistakenly believe that the absence of cracks is a good sign that the wall is still strong. Even when the bow in a foundation wall is minimal, it is a sign of weakening in the structure of the foundation. When the bulge becomes more pronounced, you may need to rebuild the foundation.

Cracking in bowing foundation walls begins on the exterior surface of the walls. There is tremendous downward pressure on the walls. It takes some time for the cracks to appear on the interior surface. Cracks usually present themselves as step cracks. However, they may begin as horizontal cracks that develop into step cracks over time. The steps occur along mortar joints.

Step cracks differ from horizontal and vertical cracks in that the wall pulls in all four directions. In vertical and horizontal cracks, the parts of the wall on the opposing sides pull away from each other. Stabilization in walls with step cracks must therefore be carried out in all four directions.

If you notice step cracks in your foundation wall, contact a professional contractor as soon as possible. These cracks are a sure sign of bowing or bulging of foundation walls. If the bowing or bulging has not occurred by the time the step cracks have appeared, it is likely to begin soon after.

Repair of bowing or bulging foundation walls should be carried out by professional contractors only. This ensures that the best solution is applied and safety is observed.

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4 Huge Misconceptions about Foundation Repair in Columbus OH 43085

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Foundation Repair in Columbus OH 43085

The foundations of a home are the difference between a beautiful place to live and a pile of rubble. Whenever you spot a problem with the foundations of your home, you must act immediately. But things aren’t always what they seem.

Don’t make these four mistakes when considering your options for foundation repair in Columbus OH 43085 or it could cost you a lot of money.

  1. The Foundation isn’t Always the Problem

It’s easy to think every issue with the foundation has something to do with the foundation. This isn’t always the case.

Sometimes it’s to do with the soil underneath the main slab. If the soil moves underneath, so does the foundation, and that’s why you start to see cracks as the concrete above is pulled apart.

  1. Water is a Variable

Foundations always follow how the soil moves. If the soil dehydrates or desiccates, then it’s either going to contract or expand. Hydration is what impacts the soil and the foundations. The type of foundation and the location of your home influences whether you start to see damage within a few years of building your home.

  1. Voids are Not a Problem

Many people think that voids are a major cause of foundation repair in Columbus OH 43085. Filling the voids is a pointless money-wasting exercise.

Your home should have most of the loads resting on the concrete slabs, which have beams around the outer edges. This forms a grid pattern. This is where the house is resting, rather than on the areas where you may find voids.

  1. Cracks Don’t Represent the Source

Each time the foundations move you will start to see cracks. They can be big or small. But a crack is actually a type of hinge. It’s a point of movement for the foundation. It’s nothing to do with where the house has moved because you could see movement at one end of the home yet see a crack at the opposite end.

The issue is the source of the crack not the crack itself.

Conclusion

To know about these issues, you should have the help of a competent builder. They should already be aware of these four misconceptions. Do your homework and research the various contractors in your area before you part with any money.

When foundation repair in Columbus OH 43085 goes wrong it can quite easily cost you thousands of dollars. Proper research, and a home insurance policy, protects you against this.

When Should You Consider Foundation Crack Repair?

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Foundation crack repair can be expensive. Whenever you’re dealing with something as important as the foundations of your house, you need to act fast, and it’s going to cost.

But what a lot of people don’t realize is that a simple crack in say, the outer plaster, isn’t a cause for concern. So when should a foundation crack should worry you?

How wide?

The first test is to measure how wide the crack is; measure from the widest point of a crack with a simple tape measure.

If it’s any wider than 1/16 inch, you have to act. This is too wide and can let in both water and termites. If it’s smaller than this, simply monitor it over the course of a few months.

Even if it doesn’t reach this 1/16 inch limit, you should opt for repair if there’s any change in the width. It’s worrying even if a 1/32 inch crack turns into a 1/20 crack.

Is it wet?

If a crack admits water, foundation crack repair is a necessity before it causes too much damage. It won’t take long for moisture to cause permanent damage to your home.

Moisture damage is one of the most common causes of serious foundation problems. You often can’t spot the extent of the internal damage. The only way to see it is to notice the wetness on the outside, where it admits water.

Grinding

Sometimes a crack’s faces can begin to grind against each other based on changes in the environment. Here are the two primary environmental changes that might influence this:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity

Check for these changes over a couple of seasons when you notice the first signs of a crack. If there’s no impact, the crack probably isn’t as serious as you think.

Should you repair minor cracks?

As you can see, it isn’t always necessary to act immediately. Minor cracks can be monitored to see how they change over time.

We still recommend taking care of cracks as soon as possible, though. The reason for this is it’s always cheaper to solve the problem as soon as you notice it. The cost of repair goes up every time the crack grows in severity.

Furthermore, solving the problem early ensures that the damage to your home’s foundations is minimal. Too many people have waited and the problem has cost them thousands in repairs. Don’t be one of them. Get help from a foundation repair expert today!

The A to Z of Dealing with Foundation Wall Cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201

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When you move into your new house, the feeling is so exhilarating that no doomsayer would put a damper into your mood. However, you might be surprised to discover foundation wall cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201 a few months down the line just as you are getting used to living comfortably. Should this cause you nightmares?

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No Need for Sleepless Nights

Well, the answer is yes and no because such cracks are a pointer to structural issues with your foundation. At the same time, you should not spend sleepless nights thinking your home will come down any moment. Instead, you need to enlighten yourself on what these cracks are all about and take action to resolve the problem.

Causes of Wall Cracks in Your Foundation

Before you start scrambling and looking for DIY tips to repair wall cracks, you need to appreciate probable underlying problems. Some of these culprits include:

  • Improper concrete mixing: This leads to high water content in the mixture and when your house settles, the foundation fails to sustain the stress and cracks appear.
  • Poor drainage: This is the major cause of foundation cracks and it is also the most common. This moisture problem arises if there’s water seeping from rain or ground flow, humid air condensing in the basement or remnant water after construction.
  • Surrounding soil problems: Expansive clay and compressible soils are common in most modern building sites. Moreover, poorly compacted fill soil can lead to poor support thus causing foundation wall cracks.

Other common causes include plumbing leaks, premature removal of concrete forms, and rapid curing of concrete due to poor care or weather conditions.

Main Foundation Wall Cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201

There are three basic types of cracks and understanding them makes it easier for you to appreciate the problem your foundation is facing. These include:

  • Vertical foundation cracks: These are not structural in nature but are rather indicative of moisture problem around your foundation. Shrinkage of the foundation causes this problem and with the danger that moisture poses to your house, you should immediately contact a reliable contractor.
  • Horizontal foundation wall cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201: They are indicative of a wall that is under insurmountable lateral pressure. If a solution to ease load pressure is not effected immediately, your foundation wall will cave in and with it your precious lifetime investment.
  • Step cracks: They are an indicator of a settling foundation. While they don’t pose grave danger, they should be repaired promptly. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.

The construction industry now has advanced technological solutions to foundation wall cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201. These include wall anchors, slab jacking, piering, polyurethane injection and a combination of carbon-fiber Kevlar grid straps and epoxies, among others.

Now DIY repair for foundation wall cracks in Cincinnati OH 45201 might sound easy, but don’t be fooled. Only an expert contractor can guarantee quality, reliable and durable workmanship for your property.

How to Deal with a Bowing Foundation

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Are your basement walls cracked? Do you notice your basement walls curving more and more inward?

Concrete foundations are quite strong. However, they are under tremendous pressure from supporting the home and the soil that surrounds them. This pressure gets even worse when the soil expands as a result of absorbing water. The soil pushes against the basement wall. This normally occurs when there has been heavy rainfall.

The build-up of pressure against the foundation walls can be a greater problem when the grading of the ground around the foundation is inadequate. Water will tend to accumulate near the foundation and cause the soil to expand and exert pressure on the foundation walls.

The continued pressure exerted by the foundation walls will eventually result in a bowing foundation. This damage is normally first manifested as a horizontal crack in the foundation walls. Water may come through this crack and cause various moisture problems to the home.

Many home owners react to cracks in foundation walls by applying crack filing solutions. However, if the underlying problem is not dealt with adequately, further damage will occur. The pressure on the wall will continue and the bowed foundation wall is likely to collapse.

Repairing a bowing foundation

If you’ve attempted to carry out various projects around the home on your own, you probably feel like you can do just about anything if you learn more about it. However, foundations are not just any other part of the home. They are the part of the home that ensures that the rest of the structure is safe. It is, therefore, important to ensure that repair of a foundation is done well. You, therefore, need the assistance of a professional contractor.

There are two main ways of repairing a bowing foundation. Both of these methods involve retaining or bracing the walls. They are:

  1. Using steel bracing: This is an old method for fixing bowed walls. Steel beams known as channel beams are used to brace the wall. The beams are anchored to the foundation and the top is attached to the floor joist. The channel is tightened against the wall using a screw jack.
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  2. Carbon fiber: This is a super strong and super light material. It is used in the construction of commercial aircrafts and automobiles. It has recently taken the construction world by storm and is currently replacing steel in various applications.

Strips of carbon fiber can be placed vertically at predetermined intervals to provide support to a bowing foundation.