All homes settle over time and will experience minor cracks in foundation and walls that need repair. But the problem is when it gets to severe levels and drastic settling has occurred and major cracks are appearing in the foundation of the home. Two of the major types of foundation problems include foundation shrinkage and foundation expansion, both of which can require expert foundation crack repairs in Staten Island.
Foundation Shrinkage
Concrete naturally shrinks as part of the curation process but this is not the shrinkage we are talking about. Shrinkage will vary depending on a number of factors and conditions, most of which is normal and of little to no concern to the structural integrity of the home. When the shrinkage is to such a degree that it affects the foundation of the home, that is when problems start to arise and you need to look into foundation crack repairs in Staten Island.
Foundation Expansion
For foundations which are made from brick or blocks, expansion is quite a common occurrence and usually is fairly minor. This is the result of brick’s natural tendency to slowly grow over time. While all brick will expand, some materials arm or prone to expansion over time and thus will result in more obvious cracking. Brick walls under the ground will expand as a result of moisture gain; this is especially true of homes in freezing climates up north.
Foundation Settling or Major Problem?
The hard part for homeowners is figuring out if foundation cracks and issues are the result of normal minor settling or a major issue with the foundation. Sometimes, there’s no reason at all to worry and other times you need to take action right away and call for professional foundation crack repairs in Staten Island. If any of the following signs are present, then they could indicate a larger issue:
- Wall cracks.There are jagged cracks in the walls running at 45-degree angles. This is a very common sign that your foundation is shifting and it is shifting to a high degree.
- Sticking windows and doors. If your windows and doors are hard to open and close for no obvious reason be aware. It could be that the frames twisting out of alignment.
- Issues with roof. When the foundation is compromised, higher areas of the home will be affected as well. Look for cracks, gaps, and other signs of problems on the roof.
- Water in basement.If you have a basement, look out for sudden or unusual moisture and water, which can indicate cracks in the foundation are growing and getting worse.
As you can see, there are a number of signs to look for when it comes to determining the cause and severity of foundation cracks in your home. Keep track of these symptoms and if they seem to be getting worse, it’s probably time to bring in the experts.
Foundation crack repair in Staten Island is easier than you think so call us today. The sooner you fix your foundation problems, the better off you’ll be.
