4 Types of Basement Wall Cracks and What They Mean | Indianapolis, IN

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Basement walls, just like other types of constructions, may develop cracks. Some cracks may develop soon after the construction work has been completed while others will occur after several years.

Some cracks arise as a result of the settling or sinking of the concrete in the ground and are therefore nothing to worry about. However, some types of cracks may be severe in that they indicate serious flaws in the foundation of the basement or any other type of structure. Such cracks need to be attended to as quickly as possible.

Cracks vary in terms of their orientation and the location in which they appear. In this piece, you will learn about 4 types of basement wall cracks and what they mean for your basement.

  1. Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks are likely to develop as the concrete of the basement walls shrinks in the process of curing. Such cracking generally doesn’t impact the structural integrity of the basement wall. However, the cracks can cause moisture to enter the basement if the basement’s walls are not waterproofed. Thus, even though you don’t have to worry about vertical cracks affecting the structural integrity of your basement walls, you still have to repair these cracks to address moisture issues.

Foundation Repair | Indianapolis, IN

  1. Diagonal cracks

There are numerous types of basement wall cracks that have a diagonal orientation. For instance, a crack may begin at the top of the basement and spread diagonally downwards. As well, a diagonal crack may appear at any spot on the basement wall, appearing wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Also, you may spot a diagonal crack at the corner of a window or a door.

Diagonal cracks are caused by various factors including uneven settling of the foundation concrete and concrete shrinkage.

  1. Stair-step shaped cracks

Stair-step shaped cracks are comparable in appearance to diagonal cracks save for the fact that the cracks occur in the mortar joints of block and brick walls. When these types of cracks occur in the wall of a basement, they indicate that there are problems in the foundation of the basement.

  1. Horizontal cracks

Horizontal cracks suggest serious structural flaws in the basement foundation. They indicate that the foundation is unable to sustain the pressure of the wall or may be caused by external forces such as the movement of heavy equipment.

What to do when you see basement wall cracks

It advisable to let a certified contractor inspect your basement in order to determine the cause as well as the possible impact of different types of basement wall cracks.

 

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How Foundations Change During Winter Weather | Philadelphia, PA

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Freezing weather may be taking a toll on your foundation. Concrete poured foundations and block wall foundations are affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete expands as it freezes and contracts as it thaws. Same goes for the ground around the foundation changing the pressure in the soil. As the concrete expands and contracts it tends to crack. This is why expansion joints and control joint were created. Control joints give the concrete a place to crack and expansion joints give the concrete some space to expand.

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

Even though concrete is still one of the strongest and most versatile building materials it is still not perfect. The weather can also impact concrete during the construction process. Pouring concrete in extreme weather can affect how it cures and therefore the concrete’s overall strength in the end. Concrete is made with water. So, if concrete is poured in freezing weather that water in the mix can freeze. If it freezes it produces pressure in the pours of the concrete and can ultimately cause cracking, spilling, and the cured concrete to crumb off. The Portland Cement Association has developed deicers and recommends techniques for pouring concrete in cold temperatures but it is still not the best practice.

Masonry walls are not immune to the negative affects cold weather has on a poured foundation. Even though they don’t have to cure out in the elements they still expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Cinder blocks are porous by nature and if they get wet and stay wet for too long freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue is more common in retrofits and basement remodels. Commonly modern energy efficient remodels typically add interior insulation causing the exterior masonry to stay colder and wetter. The water staying in the block wall can cause potentially more freeze-thaw damage. For more information see the Portland Cement Association research on cold weather concrete. Also take a look at how StablWall products can help prevent and treat damage to walls and more here!

Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Foundation Repair Contractor – Cleveland, OH

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Foundation Repair Contractor

A study by the Foundation Repair Association (FRA) in 2013 found that out of 843 houses sampled, over 68% had foundation problems. Most of these issues were structural and had already exacerbated to a point of compromising the integrity of these homes.

Prompt Repairs

If your foundation walls are bowed or bulging, the doors and windows are jamming and you can observe cracks both in the exterior and interior walls, it is high time to call a foundation repair contractor. The problem comes in choosing the best because there are thousands of them in every single city.

Well, after shortlisting the available experts, there are some questions you need to ask them in order to gauge their suitability. Here are some of the most important:

  1. What is Your Assessment of the Damage?

To determine whether a foundation expert is qualified, you need to gauge their professionalism. Before hiring any contractor ask them whether your foundation actually needs any repairs. The best professionals will take the time to assess the damage and write a report on what needs to be done. If a contractor doesn’t carry out intensive investigations they are just after your money.

  1. How Long Have You Been In The Industry?

The National Foundations Repair Association (NRFA) advises all property owners to always work with an old hand in the industry. An experienced contractor has gathered invaluable skills in the field, invested heavily in technical resources and personnel and can deal with any kind of repair work you need.

  1. Are You Duly Licensed and Insured?

There are no two ways about it; when it comes to any foundation repair contractor project, you must use a contractor with relevant licensing and insurance coverage. You can easily confirm this from your state’s registration board to ensure your home is safe during the entire project. Moreover, workers must have compensation cover in case of work-related injuries.

  1. Do You Offer Warranty for Services Offered?

A good contractor always stands behind their work and you should thus hire a contractor who is ready to offer a warranty. This assures you that services offered will last and you won’t have to go looking for more repairs anytime soon.

  1. Any References and Testimonials?

The best way to identify a professional contractor is by linking with their previous customers. This will give you a feel of how this company works, especially regarding their reliability.

  1. How Do Your Prices Compare to Others in the City?

You must compare costs vs. benefits when hiring a contractor. The best way is to have a contractor give a breakdown of their prices against those of others and other concomitant benefits.

Timely foundation repair contractor can make all the difference between a collapsed structure and a nice stable home. Just make sure you hire the most qualified contractor around.

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How to Prepare Your Home for Fall

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Prepare Your Home for Fall

Summer is gone and with the warm weather now a distant memory, it is time to prepare your home for colder weather. As a home owner, you appreciate how critical it is to keep your indoors cozy while also ensuring the property is primed for more rain. With the meteorology department already giving warnings about today’s unpredictable weather, it is imperative to learn how to prepare your home for fall.

Here are some tips to help you go through fall:

  1. Clean and Fix the Gutters

The last 10 years have witnessed increased rain during this season and you need to clean the gutters to ensure effective drainage. This protects your house from stagnating water which ruins both the walls and foundation. The downspouts should also be unclogged, and if the discharge pipe is near the walls, make sure it is extended by about five feet.

  1. Seal All Air Leaks

To reduce heating and cooling costs during this season, make sure you have sealed all gaps especially on the windows and door joints. More importantly, get a professional to check for problem areas where leaks are common in order to seal them permanently. In short, keep outside air out and inside air in.

  1. Clean and Fix the Fireplace Chimney

This should be done by a professional contractor who will clear ash and charred wood from the chimney and fireplace. The damper should also be checked to ensure it doesn’t allow in a draft that will add to your heating and cooling costs.

  1. Give Your Heating System a Checkup

It is crucial to ensure that all heating ducts and vents are not blocked by furniture or curtains. This should be done by a technician with the right tools and skills to ensure the system is working seamlessly. The furnace is a critical appliance in fall and it must be checked before the onset of this cold season.

  1. Work on Paths and Walkways

Due to increased precipitation, your walkways will become slippery and they should be repaired to avoid slips and falls. Your family will be safe and you will also avoid medical bills arising from such injuries. To make the walkways even safer, invest in ENERGY STAR outdoor lights which will light up the way without increasing your energy bill.

  1. Invest in Storm Windows

To ensure your family is safe indoors, it is time to replace removable screens, which are popular during summer, with storm windows.

Of course you need to do a thorough cleaning of your home before fall considering much of your time will be spent indoors. Now that you have an idea on how to prepare your home for fall, why not get down to it? Contact us today for more information!

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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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?

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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.

Bowing Cinder Block | Chicago, IL | StablWall

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!