Foundation cracks can be a sign of serious structural problems in your home, such as shifting soil, underground water, and the settlement of your home. If these issues can be taken care of with foundation repairs, such as push piers or helical piers, it’s definitely worth taking a look.
Foundation cracks are often seen as a nuisance or something that does not need to be dealt with. However, sometimes this is not the case, and there is actually some major foundation damage happening under your feet. The most common type of foundation crack is known as either a stair step crack or a vertical wall crack.
Vertical Crack or Stair Step Crack?
The difference between stair step foundation cracks and vertical wall cracks is the location of the crack on your home, whether it’s in one place or spread along a side of your house, or an indication that there are different problems occurring at each site. Vertical wall cracks are typically caused by an issue with the water level in your soil, or grading. Stair step cracks are typically caused by shifting soil beneath your home’s foundation and look like a set of stairs cracking along the foundation, usually starting at one corner.
What Foundation Crack Problems to Look For
Foundation cracks are one of the first signs that your home may be suffering from serious problems with its foundational support. Foundation cracks can point out issues with soil erosion, underground water leaks, and other structural problems. Some types of foundation damage will require a professional inspection and a repair that specifically targets the problem. Before you decide to do repairs on your own, however, it’s a good idea to determine what type of crack it is. Some foundation cracks are easier to repair than others, while some may be an indication of more serious problems under your home.
Vertical cracks can run anywhere vertically / parallel along the foundation wall. Many times they start out as thin, pin size cracks and can open up to inches as the foundation damage worsens.
Stair step cracking usually begins at the corner of the foundation wall and creates a staircase looking crack as the bricks or blocks separate from one another.
How to Repair Foundation Damage
Foundation cracks can, in many cases, be a serious sign of structural issues with your homes foundation, such as the settlement of your home, underground water, and shifting soil. If these issues can be taken care of with foundation repairs, such piers like push piers or helical piers, it’s definitely worth a professional like The Waterproof Group taking a look at it. Again, vertical wall cracks are typically caused by an issue with the water level in your soil, or grading. Stair step cracks are typically caused by shifting soil beneath your home’s foundation.
Push piers and helical piers are both permanent solutions to foundation damage. A professional like The Waterproof Group will know exactly which solution is best for you.
Whether you have vertical wall cracks or stair step cracks, you may have a big issue with the foundation of your home. Your foundation issues could be caused by improper grading, issues with the water level, trees, the foundation itself, etc. Call a professional like The Waterproof Group to check out the cause or causes and help you decide the best course of action for fixing the problem before if gets any worse.
The Waterproof Group gives free inspections and quotes in and around Metro Atlanta. Call 678-223-4948 today for a free inspection and quote.
