Foundation Cracks – The Breakdown
Did you know that foundation cracks can severely weaken a building’s structural integrity?
Foundation cracks typically occur because a structure has settled at an uneven rate. While settlement is part of the aging process, it can also result from poor soil compaction and moisture issues, which may exacerbate structural issues.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all foundation cracks are created equal and that different cracks typically indicate different foundation problems.
Breaking Down Foundation Cracks:
There are three main types of foundation cracks: vertical, horizontal and diagonal.
Vertical cracking — the most common type of cracking — is typically found in poured walls. The cracks, which are usually wider at the bottom, can extend the entire length of the wall all the way to the floor.
Horizontal cracks will appear in concrete block construction. It’s important to note where the break is located, because it typically indicates the cause of the cracking.
Diagonal cracks generally show up at the corner of a concrete wall due to settlement. Settlement is soil or foliage that forms too close to the structure.
Fixing Foundation Cracks:
Whenever foundation cracks are detected, repair should be done immediately — either with epoxy injections, strapping or underpinning.
An epoxy injection is one of the most common ways to repair a foundation crack. Epoxy is a tough resin with significant strength and minimal shrinking. It is also extremely resistant to moisture and chemicals. After it is injected into the crack, staples are used to stabilize the repair.
Strapping is another way to repair a crack. The straps are made of Kevlar, and are typically used to repair horizontal cracks (which have been known cause walls to collapse). Horizontal cracking is often a sign of too much weight against the structure, and one of the most serious forms of foundation cracking.
Another method of fixing foundation cracks is underpinning, which increases the depth or width of the foundation. Underpinning provides better support for the building’s weight by distributing its mass more evenly. It can also be used on homes that have been built on expansive soil.
If you have cracking issues, give us a call for a free foundation inspection. We can tell you what is causing the cracking and how to fix it.
If you’ve noticed signs of foundation cracks and damage around your home, contact Julian Construction today and we will send one of our foundation specialists out to conduct a free, thorough inspection with a quote for repair.
We have extensive experience serving our Los Angeles community and nearby regions. In fact, Julian Construction has inspected over 30,000 structures in the area!
Julian Construction was formed in 1994 and our focus has always been on building and maintaining foundations, doing foundation repair and replacement, earthquake retrofitting, and house leveling.
When you work with Julian Construction, you get the principles of the company and the workers of Julian Construction under your home.
And in order to keep foundation repair affordable for our customers, we offer a price guarantee — because we know our quote for repair will represent your very best value.
Give us a call at (323) 733-3377 to schedule your free inspection or complete the inspection request form.
