How To Check Your Home for Foundation Cracking – Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

 

While your home’s foundation is initially made to last, foundation cracking can greatly reduce its integrity. No home is safe from a cracking foundation, no matter how well it was built. In fact, environmental issues, such as temperatures and humidity levels, are a top player in how your foundation will hold up in the long run.

 

Every homeowner should take the time to check their foundation for new cracks. However, be aware that not every crack leads to structural damage. That’s why it is so important to know what to be on the lookout for the next time you inspect your home’s foundation.

 

  1. Stair-Step Shaped Cracks

 

  • If your home is built on a cinder block foundation, cracking is often noted in a stair-step pattern. This type of foundation cracking occurs whenever the cinderblocks crack and then separate. These cracks are a sign of pressure from either water or shifting soil.

 

  • Whenever this pattern of cracking is noted, there may already be some structural damage to your home. If a large, horizontal crack is found, then you need immediate intervention from a structural engineer to remedy the situation and save your home from further damage.

 

  1. Cracking Concrete Slabs

 

  • If you have a poured concrete foundation, you may begin to notice cracks sooner than other foundation types. There is no need to worry, though. Most of the time, these are simply hairline cracks that pose no structural risk.

 

  • Even though your cracks may be benign, they should still be repaired. Filling the cracks may prevent water damage or mold growth. Don’t wait for the cracks to grow before you repair them.

 

  1. Cracking or Separating Exterior Brick

 

  • If your home is constructed from brick, you should be on the lookout for any cracks that form. Be sure to inspect all brick areas, including brick facing and even the chimney. Cracks in brick are often caused by foundation shifting.

 

  1. Damaged Interior Walls

 

  • Cracks can also appear in your home’s drywall. Be sure to take note of any cracks, whether they are vertical or horizontal that may appear in the drywall. If they suddenly appear or get wider, it is most certainly because of a structural issue with your foundation. Ill-fitting doors and windows may also point to a foundation issue.

 

No matter where you first notice signs of foundation cracking, be sure to call a professional for advice. They will be able to determine the extent of your damage and provide you with a surefire way to repair your foundation problems.

 

foundation cracks

Winter Is The Time For Foundation Cracks – Essex County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

No one wants to be told that they have cracks in their foundation, but truth be told, no one is immune from foundation cracks. It’s true that your foundation can develop cracks during any season, but the winter is when most homeowners first notice problems. The environmental changes that come with winter make your foundation more prone to damage.

 

  • Why is winter so damaging for foundations?

 

  • There is an easy scientific explanation for why so many homeowners experience foundation cracking during the colder months, and it is known as frost heave. Simply put, frost heave happens when freezing water expands and puts extreme pressure on your foundation. It is one of the top reasons for foundation cracks to form.

 

  • How can you protect your home from frost heave?

 

  • The easiest way to prevent cracking due to frost heave is by protecting your home in advance. You want to try to eliminate all the places where water can enter your foundation. Finding and sealing all existing cracks is a must.

 

Your foundation probably already has a few cracks. While many of them may not pose a structural concern, they can still allow water to enter. Here are a few ways to treat the most common types of cracks.

 

  1. Hairline Cracks

 

  • Some of the smallest hairline cracks don’t pose a water concern, but you must seal them before they get any larger. This is a job that you can easily complete on your own. Simply fill these small cracks with some masonry caulk. Use enough caulk to completely cover the entire length of the crack.

 

  1. Leaking Cracks

 

  • If you notice a crack is weeping, then you need to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. These cracks are a prime location for frost heave. It’s best to hire a professional to repair these wet cracks for you. If you attempt the job on your own, you may only camouflage the situation instead of correcting it.

 

  1. Structural Cracks

 

  • The most damaging foundation cracks are the ones that cause actual structural damage to your home. Signs of structural cracks include doors that are difficult to close or windows that no longer seal properly. Only a professional technician can properly repair these cracks. Ignoring them will only lead to more foundation damage later on.
  • No matter how benign a crack may seem, any noticeable crack in your foundation should be filled in order to avoid even more cracking. Be sure to schedule an inspection by a foundation expert to get a full report on the integrity of your foundation.