As a homeowner or someone in the process of acquiring a new home, the discovery of a tiny crack in your new home’s foundation can be alarming. However, understanding that these small cracks may be a result of the natural settling process after construction can provide reassurance.

If you notice hairline cracks in your new home without additional symptoms, such as structural issues, there is an opportunity for promptly repairing foundation cracks in your new home through aesthetic foundation repair to address the cosmetic aspect of these cracks.

Generally, these hairline cracks emerge in concrete due to plastic shrinkage, where the concrete loses water content significantly, leading to dryness and the development of multiple cracks.

Moreover, exposure of any part of your home, whether walls or floors, to fluctuating temperatures can contribute to the formation of hairline cracks in the vicinity. Importantly, the presence of these cracks doesn’t always indicate a threat to the foundation of your new home.

Do all cracks need a foundation repair?

While some foundation cracks can be ignored, the following is a list of cracks that you should never undermine and immediately take action to repair your foundation. Explore the list below of worrisome cracks and call a professional right away when you notice any.

● Uneven cracks, which are wider on one side
● Stair step cracks on brickworks
● Diagonal cracks
● Cracks run on the ceiling that elongate down to a wall.
● Horizontal foundation cracks
● A small crack that has grown bigger.
● Water infiltration to your foundation through cracks.
● Vertical cracks
● Cracks between doors and walls

If you see any kind of crack wider than 25 millimeters, you should never delay your plan to fix foundation. Also, look around for other signs of damage around your home apart from these cracks, like bouncy or uneven floors, out-of-square doors or windows, and detached fixtures like chimneys or drawers separated from the walls.

There are various common types of foundations used in the homes of the United States, namely, basement, crawl space, concrete, wood or pier, and beam foundations. With different foundations, different problems arise. Thus, different methods need to be applied to fix foundations.

READ:  5 Big Factors that Determine the Cost of a Furnace

How to Fix Foundation Cracks with Foundation Repair?

You can take the following measures to prevent foundation issues at your home.

● Do not plant big trees or shrubs near your home’s foundation, as intruding roots can cause significant damage to
● Routinely check your foundation for moisture issues.
● If your home is prone to standing water or flooding, add a sump pump or external drainage system to direct water away from the foundation area.
● Check soil conditions in your home. Explosive soils like clay can stress your foundation as they constantly expand and shrink due to changing temperatures.
● Avoid watering your lawn excessively, as moisture can trickle through your foundation.
● Immediately repair broken pipes around your home, as water can seep into your foundation.
● Look for debris or broken glasses in the gutter area and keep them clean at all times, allowing excess water to drain.

Foundation Repair: Why you should do it

If you just noticed one big crack today and are delaying your foundation repair, you are calling for greater damage in the future. Your foundation issues won’t heal with time without an intervention. Here are a few reasons to ponder about the future outcomes of delaying foundation fixing plans.

Constant allergies and skin irritation

Damp foundations are breeding spots for mold, and while your foundation may be covered by mold, you might suffer from allergies and other health issues. So, repairing it means you are securing your and your family’s health before your life turns upside down.

Pest Infestation

You might be fond of pets, but not pests. With damaged foundations, pests are bound to attack not only your home’s base but also your living area.

More structural damage in the future

If you don’t fix small problems as soon as you see them, you will face greater structural problems in the future, which will affect not only your foundation but also other elements of your home, and that can be a costly mistake.

READ:  Soundproofing a Room: How Security Doors Can Maximize Comfort and Saftey

Decreased value of your home

With a weak structural foundation, your home’s value will shoot down, and you will not be able to sell it. In this case, foundation repair can be more profitable than losing your home’s value. Additionally, you will be disqualified from getting loans due to your damaged collateral.

How do I repair my home foundation?

Once you have decided to repair your foundation, you may be thinking of going for a D-I-Y. Sometimes, if you have minor foundation issues and you can easily repair cracks below the length of 5 millimeters with crack sealants or epoxy injections, doing it yourself can solve your problems. But for larger issues and cracks more than 25 millimeters, you must hire a foundation repair expert to inspect your home and develop necessary improvement plans.

The professionals will design a repair plan based on the issues faced and follow one or more of the fixing methods mentioned below.

● Pier installation (Steel pier, Helical steel pier, Drilled concrete pier, belled concrete pier, slab pier)
● Slab Jacking
● Shimming
● Sealing foundation cracks
● Basement waterproofing
● Install drainage system
● Wall anchors
● Wall brace system

Should I move out while my foundation is being repaired?

Are you worried about moving out during foundation repair? Leave those worries behind, as you don’t have to move out while repairing your foundation until your home has faced a big structural problem.

Most of the time, your foundation can be repaired by taking necessary precautions to control dust and avoid disturbances. As repair is done outside your home or somewhere beneath your living area, you don’t have to leave your home when professionals take measures to fix foundations.

Why should I install motorized retractable screens?

Adding retractable screens can be rewarding after you fix foundation issues, followed by its waterproofing. Once you have waterproofed your foundation, you are well assured of having a clean and dry space with no room for water infiltration, moisture issues, or pest ingestion.

The next step after waterproofing is to install motorized retractable screens. You can easily operate motorized screens with a remote control or even your smart phones whenever you need to keep your foundation dry at all times. With increased ventilation, you get a mold-free dry base with no compromise on your home’s structural integrity.

READ:  A Buyers' Guide To Ensuring You Get The Most Reliable Washing Machine Brand

You can explore the features of motorized screens below.

● While manual screens can have a size up to 12′ in width and 9′ in height, you can use motorized screens up to a space of 25′ in width and 16′ in height.
● You can pull screens up and down through a remote control in quiet mode.
● These motorized screens are comparatively more expensive than manual ones.
● You can also include additional features, like wind or motion sensors, along with a weatherproof remote control, in these screens.
● Additionally, you can operate these screens through your smart mobile phones.

How important is repairing foundation cracks in your new home?

Addressing foundation issues is a crucial step in maintaining the structural integrity and value of your home. While not all cracks necessitate immediate repair, it is vital to be vigilant and seek professional help for foundation repair signs such as uneven or diagonal cracks.

Taking preventive measures, such as monitoring moisture levels, avoiding excessive watering, and addressing soil conditions, can contribute to the long-term health of your foundation.

Delaying foundation repairs can lead to a series of problems, from health issues due to mold infestations to pest infestations and more significant structural damage, ultimately decreasing the value of your home. Proactive foundation repair not only safeguards your family’s well-being but also preserves the market value of your property.

When it comes to repairing your foundation, the scale of the issue determines whether a do-it-yourself approach suffices or if professional intervention is necessary. Larger cracks and structural concerns demand the expertise of foundation repair professionals, who can employ methods like pier installation, slab jacking, and sealing foundation cracks to address the specific issues faced.

In essence, foundation repair is not just about maintaining your home; it’s an investment in your family’s well-being and the longevity of your property.