Homeowners may sometimes overlook hairline cracks on their walls, but it’s important to note that horizontal cracks can be more dangerous than vertical or stair-stepping cracks. These cracks often indicate that your foundation wall is being pushed against by expansive soils, which can ultimately lead to wall failure.
Ignoring these cracks can lead to further damage over time, so it’s crucial to take proper care and address them promptly with an effective foundation repair solution.
If you’re curious about that strange horizontal crack in your wall, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll uncover the causes of horizontal wall cracks, provide tips on how to repair them and offer advice on how to keep your home safe and secure.
What Exactly are Horizontal Cracks in a Foundation Wall?
If you notice a horizontal crack in your wall that is more horizontal than a vertical or diagonal crack, it is a clear indication that something is amiss with your wall. While it may be disheartening to receive such news, it is crucial to understand that a horizontal crack is a telltale sign of structural damage.
Ignoring the underlying problem caused by the crack can lead to further deterioration of the structure over time, resulting in more expensive repairs. Therefore, it is imperative to seek the services of a foundation repair contractor as soon as possible if you detect a horizontal crack in your wall.
They will conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate measures to address the issue of horizontal cracks forming. Take your time and act early to safeguard your property’s structural integrity.
What are the Reasons Behind Horizontal Cracks in Your Wall?
Horizontal cracks in a foundation can cause concern, as they may indicate differential settlement. This occurs when the foundation sinks unevenly into the ground, which can stress the structure tremendously. While it’s normal for buildings to settle slightly after construction, differential settlement can lead to serious foundation issues and horizontal cracks.
However, not all horizontal wall cracks are caused by differential settlement. Homeowners should know that other basement wall cracks or crawl space issues can also be the culprit. Some other potential causes of horizontal cracks include soil pressure or poor drainage activity.
It’s important to address any horizontal cracks in your Tennessee home’s foundation promptly, as they can lead to further damage and compromise the structural integrity of your home. Consulting with a professional foundation repair Tennessee company can help you identify the root cause of the issue and develop an effective solution to prevent further damage. Don’t let horizontal cracks go unchecked – take action to protect your home and your investment.
Hydrostatic Pressure: A Foundation’s Worst Enemy
Proper drainage around foundation walls is crucial to prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure in the soil. This pressure can push against the foundation and cause it to crack, leading to unsightly bowing of basement walls.
Read More: Basement Waterproofing: Drainage System and Installation Explained
Expansive Soil: A Warning Sign
Expansive soil, commonly used in foundations, can expand as it absorbs water and exerts pressure against the foundation wall. When not properly managed, this can result in horizontal cracks.
Frost Heave: A Cold Reality
During freezing temperatures, the soil in foundation walls can expand and push against the structure, causing horizontal cracks around the foundation.
Heavy Vehicles: A Heavy Burden
Parking heavy vehicles, such as dumpsters or large trucks, next to the foundation wall can cause horizontal cracks to appear.
Horizontal Cracks: A Problem to Watch For
Horizontal cracks in foundation walls, often accompanied by bowing, can be a major issue for non-poured concrete walls. However, even poured concrete walls can experience horizontal cracks if the reinforcing steel corrodes and expands.
Vertical Cracks: Harmless but Troublesome
Vertical cracks in poured foundation walls are typically harmless and caused by shrinkage during the concrete curing. However, they can allow water to seep through the foundation wall and into the basement or crawl space area.
It’s important to promptly address any cracks in your foundation walls to prevent further damage and potential water intrusion. A professional inspection can help identify the cause of the cracks and determine the best course of action to repair them. Don’t leave foundation issues unchecked – protect your home and investment by addressing any concerns as soon as possible.
What are the Real Causes of Differential Settlement?
Differential settlement is a common problem that can occur in buildings and structures. Various factors, including expansive soil, inadequate soil preparation, natural disasters, heavy excavation, and weather changes, cause it. Let’s learn all these factors in detail.
Expansive Soil as a Possible Cause
Expansive soil is a type of soil that contains a high percentage of clay. When this soil absorbs moisture, it swells and shrinks when it dries out. This cycle of swelling and shrinking can cause movement in the soil beneath the foundation, leading to differential settlement over time.
Insufficient Soil Preparation Prior to Construction
Inadequate soil preparation is another cause of differential settlement. Before construction begins, the soil must be properly tamped down to ensure that it is stable and can support the structure’s weight. If this is not done correctly, the structure may settle unevenly after it is built.
Natural Disasters as a Contributing Factor
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tornados, and hurricanes can also cause differential settlement. These events can cause the soil to shift and move, leading to uneven settling of the structure.
Heavy Excavation Near the Foundation
Heavy excavation near the foundation can also destabilize the foundation and cause differential settlement. If a large hole is dug too close to the home, it can cause the foundation to shift and settle unevenly.
Weather Changes Following Construction
Weather changes after construction can also cause differential settlement. For example, building a house on expansive soil during the dry season can lead to problems when the rainy season arrives and the soil swells.
Differential settlement is a complex issue that various factors can cause. It is essential to take steps to prevent it, such as proper soil preparation and avoiding heavy excavation near the foundation. By understanding the causes of differential settlement, we can take steps to ensure the stability and safety of our buildings and structures.
Are Horizontal Cracks a Serious Concern for Your Building?
Horizontal wall cracks are a major concern for any building owner or manager. These cracks are considered structural, meaning they can significantly impact a building’s overall integrity. It is crucial to address these cracks as soon as they are witnessed to prevent further structural damage and ensure the security of the building’s occupants.
On the other hand, vertical concrete shrinkage cracks in a poured concrete foundation wall are an example of non-structural cracks. While they may not pose a direct threat to the building’s stability, it is still important to monitor and address them to prevent future issues.
Related Read: Know The Difference: Vertical vs. Horizontal Foundation Cracks
How Can You Repair Horizontal Cracks?
The repair solution for a horizontal crack depends on what caused the crack. Was the crack caused by differential settlement or hydrostatic pressure pushing against a foundation wall?
If the crack was caused by differential settlement, the usual repair solution is installing underpins. Underpinning, using either push or helical piers, extends the foundation down to the soil that can support it. Once the foundation piers are in place, a synchronized hydraulic lifting system that raises the building to the maximum practical level. When this is done, the cracks usually close.
Other possible differential settlement repair solutions include drilled concrete and slab piers.
If the crack was caused by hydrostatic pressure, frost heave, or lateral pressure from something heavy, basement wall repair solutions such as wall plate anchors and carbon fiber straps can be used. These solutions are particularly useful in areas of the country with basement foundations.
Horizontal cracks are a serious concern for any building owner or manager. It is important to address them as soon as they are detected to prevent further foundation damage and ensure the safety of the building’s occupants. By understanding the cause of the crack, you can choose the appropriate repair solution and ensure the long-term stability of your building.
Prevention Tips for Foundation Problems
Foundation problems can be a nightmare for homeowners. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented by controlling the amount of water around the foundation. Here are a few crucial tips to help you keep your foundation in good shape:
Avoid Planting Vegetation Next to the House
While flowers, shrubs, and trees can add beauty to your home, they can also cause foundation problems. These plants require water, which can seep into the ground around the foundation and cause it to shift or crack. To prevent this, avoid planting vegetation next to the house.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Clogged gutters can drive water to overflow and soak the ground around the foundation. This can lead to serious foundation problems over time. To prevent this issue, make sure to clean your gutters regularly.
Install Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions can help carry runoff at least 4 feet from the foundation before release. This can prevent water from pooling around the foundation and causing damage.
Regrade Your Yard
If your yard slopes toward the foundation, water can drain and pool around it. To prevent this, consider regrading your yard so it slopes away from the foundation.
Install a Drain Tile System
A drain tile system is a premium standard for foundation waterproofing. It doesn’t just put up a barrier to keep water out but also prevents excess moisture from building up in the soil around the foundation. Consider installing a drain tile system to keep your foundation in good shape.
Following these prevention tips can help keep your foundation in good condition and avoid costly repairs.
Prevent Horizontal Cracks Today with Expert Foundation Repair Solutions
Horizontal wall cracks can signify serious structural issues like foundation problems or soil settlement. Ignoring these cracks can lead to costly repairs down the line. Understanding the underlying problem and taking action to prevent further damage is essential.
To effectively address horizontal wall cracks, it’s best to seek the assistance of an expert foundation repair contractor who specializes in dealing with these types of issues. They can evaluate the situation and offer effective methods to prevent further damage. Trusting the experts will give you peace of mind and ensure your home’s foundation is secure for years.
