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How Worried Should You be About a Cracking Foundation?

Expert insights from 58 Foundations. How concerned you should be about a cracking foundation? Take proactive measures to protect your home.

Are you worried about your home having a cracking foundation? Have you found a foundation crack that you never noticed before, or one that seems to be growing? Not all foundation cracks are necessarily a cause for alarm. Sometimes, these are hairline cracks caused by shrinkage as the concrete dries after construction. However, a sizable crack or one that appears to be growing should be evaluated by a qualified foundation repair expert. In general, a crack wider than 1/16 inches is likely to be an indication of a bigger problem. For example, it could mean that your foundation is coming directly into contact with the water table, creating what’s called hydrostatic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure is created when that water sits against the foundation, pressing against the foundation walls and floor. An elevated water table is common in areas with poor drainage and can be a real nuisance for homeowners trying to keep their foundations safe and their basements free of groundwater and invasive moisture.

What Causes Cracks in a Foundation?

Foundation cracks can have a variety of causes. These can include…

  • Eroding soil and other soil movement
  • Hydrostatic Pressure
  • Uneven foundation settlement
  • Changing soil moisture content
  • Improper soil compaction during construction
  • Tree roots
  • Frost heave

Keeping your foundation in good condition is essential to preserving the structural integrity of your house. Though it might be perfectly feasible to patch a minor crack on your own, there are foundation problems that will almost always require the attention of a trained foundation repair expert. From a big crack in your foundation floor to bowing basement walls, these are examples where an expert solution will be needed to ensure your home remains stable and healthy.

Fix Your Cracking Foundation with ’58!

At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer a variety of approved foundation repair solutions. Whether you have a stair-step crack in your foundation wall or a crack in your basement floor, ’58 has a solution to restore your foundation’s stability and your peace of mind. From our Carbon ’58 Wall Straps to our ’58 Strong Helical Piers, our quality products are designed to provide effective and long-lasting repairs to your foundation. Since 1958, ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has a well-earned reputation, providing over 64 years of guaranteed results!

We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you’re a resident near Charlotte, NC, Baltimore, MD, or Knoxville, TN, there’s a team of ’58 foundation experts ready to help!

If you’re worried that you’re having a cracking foundation situation, you can always lean on ’58 for help! Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate! Be sure to also ask about our industry-leading life-of-the-structure warranty and money-back guarantee!