Seeing cracks in a wall can be an alarming sight, but it doesn’t always mean an expensive repair bill. In quite a few cases, the cracks may be a sign of foundation settlement. Often this can be from a specific event related to moisture damages, where early repairs can prevent costly foundation problems in the future. Due to the complexity of individual circumstances and the structural safety of the building, you should always consult with an expert, who can help you decide if a foundation repair is necessary and how to best approach the situation.
How to Identify the Source of Cracks in a Wall
To identify if cracks in a wall are a result of foundation settlement damage, it’s important to understand the difference between simple cracks and more serious structural issues. Simple cracks, such as those occurring from thermal expansion and contraction across seasonal changes, are typically small and don’t affect the overall stability of your home. However, more serious cracks, such as those from structural settlements could lead to serious problems down the road. If you notice any of the signs listed above it’s best to contact a professional engineer for an inspection.
Cracks in a Wall from Foundation Settlement Damage
Foundation settlements are a common issue that homeowners and property owners may face. Settlements can occur when the soil conditions below the foundation changes, causing the foundation to move and and even crack. This can cause issues across the entire building, leading to problems such as uneven floors, shifting of loads, and in the end overloading the structural capacity of materials. If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s important to take action.
Once you have identified that there is actually foundation settlement damage, it’s important to swiftly take steps of repair. If the movement is the result of a moisture related issue (it often is), it is most critical to “remove” this source. Moisture sources can be leaking water lines within a building, condensation issues within the building enclosure leading to pooling of water in critical locations, or ground water that has saturated and weakened the load capacity of soils below the building’s foundations. Some of these issues can be hidden for the owner but can be identified by engineering experts.
After the source has been eliminated, there are several different methods that can be used to safeguard structural safety depending on the severity of the problem. Some common methods include shoring up or reinforcing weak areas with concrete or steel beams, installing new waterproofing materials around vulnerable areas such as wall/floor interfaces, or installing new drainage systems around the perimeter of the building. In some cases, a professional engineer may also be needed to make sure that all of the damage has been fixed properly and that any potential risks have been minimized.
Moisture damage from a water line leak wetting and weakening the foundation beam support
Why Early Repairs Prevent Costly Foundation Problems In The Future
Significant foundation settlements can lead to costly repairs down the road. If you’re noticing cracks in a wall, it’s important to take action before it gets worse. While owners may put this off as a minor “nuisance” they may miss the window to prevent costly problems in the future.
While causes of foundation settlements can include things like heavy winds or rain, improper installation, and incorrect construction techniques, in many cases, these issues are easily detectable and can be fixed with relatively simple repairs. By taking action right away, owners can avoid long-term problems such as continued moisture infiltration leading to rot, local structural damage, and ultimately loss of structural integrity.
Conclusion
Foundation settlement damage is an issue that needs to be identify and addressed as soon as possible. By knowing how to recognize the signs of foundation settlement damage and understanding the potential costs of repairs, building owners can take the necessary steps to prevent costly problems in the future. Deferring repair work can lead to a point where it is too late fix an initial minor issue and require extensive rehabilitation of the building’s foundations. By having your foundation inspected by a professional engineer and addressing any issues quickly and appropriately, you can reduce the amount of structural damage that can be caused by settling foundations.
