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What Causes Concrete Foundation Cracks?

foundation cracks
foundation cracks
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ByMariel McClung
Table of Contents

As you celebrate Labor Day and back-to-school time for the little ones, take some time yourself to learn a little something new.  As they say, it is best to lead by example and your brain needs new things to learn to keep it young.  Next time you are doing a little laboring around the perimeter of your home take a look around at your foundation walls. You are bound to find a crack. Why? Cracks in your foundation happen!

Builders approach us all the time to help them fix the foundations they just poured. It’s not that they do a bad job – it’s just the nature of the beast.

Most of Hampton Roads’ homes have poured concrete foundations.  Having waterproofed and repaired many foundations we have seen all sorts of cracked foundations.  Some cracking is normal, it is when settling happens that you need to enlist the expert and call AMC911.

Reasons for Cracks in your Foundation:

Stress Points

Anytime you core thru the foundation for installing sewer, electric and gas lines, it weakens the concrete, resulting in cracking. Cracks are also commonly found angling off corners of crawl space or basement vents or windows. These areas are usually the first place we look when conducting a foundation analysis.

Soil Saturation

In simple terms, soil saturation = wet ground. Your foundation walls are supported by footings. The footings are at the walls’ base and hold up your house. When the soil under the footings becomes oversaturated, the footings “settle”, causing the walls to crack. Oversaturation can also cause the earth next to your foundation to expand in volume. Many foundations are not built to withstand that extra pressure. The excess weight of the soil can force the foundation to push inward. This is identified by diagonal cracks coming off corners. The leading causes for oversaturation are improper grading, bad gutters or the need for underground sump pumps and downspout extensions.

Concrete Shrinkage

Yup as solid as concrete looks, it shrinks and expands. The science of pouring concrete involves many factors and variables. Since water is used when concrete is mixed, there is an inherent expansion and subsequent contraction of the concrete when it dries. Many factors can affect the drying process, including the type of aggregate, a mix of the concrete, and humidity levels.

Timing

In life, timing is everything. The same holds true for concrete. Imagine your builder ran short on concrete when pouring your foundation – and the next ready mix truck didn’t arrive until the first batch started to harden. Your foundation would no longer be monolithic (one piece) at that point. A cold joint would naturally form, allowing water to easily seep through.

Death and taxes are two certainties in life. Often, so is a cracked foundation. Fortunately, the solution is usually very simple, especially when you have AMC911, the expert you can rely on.  Now your brain and your home will thank you.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes, because they cause foundation movement, can lead to structural problems, including cracks. Buildings not designed to withstand seismic activity or those built on unstable soil are particularly vulnerable to foundation cracks caused by earthquakes.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks, if left unaddressed, can cause significant damage to a building’s foundation. Water can seep into the foundation and weaken its structure, causing cracks to form. Moisture can also promote mold growth, which can further weaken a foundation.

Flooding

Flooding can cause foundation cracks, particularly if the building is located in an area prone to frequent floods. The saturation of the soil and water pressure can cause the foundation to shift, leading to structural damage and cracks. The severity of the damage depends on how quickly the flooding is resolved and the extent of the water damage.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can contribute to foundation cracks, especially in regions that experience significant temperature fluctuations. When the soil surrounding the foundation dries out due to extreme heat, it can shrink and pull away from the foundation. Voids can even form under the foundation. If the foundation sinks into the voids, structural damage could result, including cracks.

WRITTEN BY

Mariel McClung

Mariel McClung is AMC911’s Vice President and full-time mother. Mariel studied Marketing at The College of William & Mary and is the operational brain behind AMC911.
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