Basement Foundation Cracks. How to tell them apart?
Foundation cracks are a major concern for Homeowner, however, there are different types. Find out what you need to know here.
Over time, homeowners might notice foundation cracks have occurred. This is a cause for concern, but not all cracks are signs of danger. How can you tell the different types of cracks apart? What do you do if water is seeping through the crack? We will answer these questions and more in our basement waterproofing article.
Foundation cracks appear for different reasons. They should be examined closely.
There are several types of foundation cracks that may develop over time: settling, structural, and shrinkage or curing cracks in recently done cement.
Settling foundation cracks usually occur within in the first few years of a new build structure. It happens because the ground around the new build is still not well packed. Cold weather and rainwater, snowmelts make the ground harden over time. Those cracks are horizontal on the walls and have a small gap width typically 1/16 to 1/8 inches.
Shrinkage or curing cracks in cement might develop if the foundation is poured concrete and, as concrete cures, it might develop cracks if it didn't have cuts. Also, concrete needs a lot of water as it dries. Often cracks occur at corners of windows or doors: the shrinkage tends to pull concrete apart, which is something an experienced contractor should know, so it is crucial that the company that does concrete for you knows how to make concrete foundations properly. We advise on getting references, online reviews, and even checking for previous job sites to ensure quality.
Structural cracks are something that should not be ignored and must be addressed promptly. They are usually longer and have gaps that are wider. If you concerned about basement foundation cracks, please call us to book a free consultation.
While non-structural cracks are not dangerous to the structure of the house foundation, over time, they tend to expand and let water, gases, and soil in. Even if there is no water seepage through the crack, gases like radon that accumulate in the ground levels pose dangerous health risks. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Concrete develops cracks over time as it tends to expand and shrink with changes in temperature. However, unlike many competitors, we provide a warranty on concrete projects we perform. If you would like to discuss your specific project or concerned about having cracks in your basement foundation, please contact our office
+1 416-400-2685
Settling foundation cracks usually occur within in the first few years of a new build structure. It happens because the ground around the new build is still not well packed. Cold weather and rainwater, snowmelts make the ground harden over time. Those cracks are horizontal on the walls and have a small gap width typically 1/16 to 1/8 inches.
Shrinkage or curing cracks in cement might develop if the foundation is poured concrete and, as concrete cures, it might develop cracks if it didn't have cuts. Also, concrete needs a lot of water as it dries. Often cracks occur at corners of windows or doors: the shrinkage tends to pull concrete apart, which is something an experienced contractor should know, so it is crucial that the company that does concrete for you knows how to make concrete foundations properly. We advise on getting references, online reviews, and even checking for previous job sites to ensure quality.
Structural cracks are something that should not be ignored and must be addressed promptly. They are usually longer and have gaps that are wider. If you concerned about basement foundation cracks, please call us to book a free consultation.
While non-structural cracks are not dangerous to the structure of the house foundation, over time, they tend to expand and let water, gases, and soil in. Even if there is no water seepage through the crack, gases like radon that accumulate in the ground levels pose dangerous health risks. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Concrete develops cracks over time as it tends to expand and shrink with changes in temperature. However, unlike many competitors, we provide a warranty on concrete projects we perform. If you would like to discuss your specific project or concerned about having cracks in your basement foundation, please contact our office
+1 416-400-2685
Basement foundation crack. Toronto 2018
Foundation cracks vary by their direction, length, and gap width.
Structural cracks are something that should not be ignored and must be addressed promptly. They are usually longer and have gaps that are wider. If you concerned about basement foundation cracks, please call us to book a free consultation.
While non-structural cracks are not dangerous to the structure of the house foundation, over time, they tend to expand and let water, gases, and soil in. Even if there is no water seepage through the crack, gases like radon that accumulate in the ground levels pose dangerous health risks. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Concrete develops cracks over time as it tends to expand and shrink with changes in temperature. However, unlike many competitors, we provide a warranty on concrete projects we perform. If you would like to discuss your specific project or concerned about having cracks in your basement foundation, please contact our office
+1 416-400-2685
While non-structural cracks are not dangerous to the structure of the house foundation, over time, they tend to expand and let water, gases, and soil in. Even if there is no water seepage through the crack, gases like radon that accumulate in the ground levels pose dangerous health risks. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Concrete develops cracks over time as it tends to expand and shrink with changes in temperature. However, unlike many competitors, we provide a warranty on concrete projects we perform. If you would like to discuss your specific project or concerned about having cracks in your basement foundation, please contact our office
+1 416-400-2685
10/18/2019