The most common causes of foundation cracks

The most common causes of foundation cracks

align=

Every home and business are built on a foundation. Overtime there are certain instances that can cause cracks to form that can be damaging to the structural integrity of the residence or business. Today, we are going to look at some of the most common causes of these foundational cracks so that you can better identify the culprit and remedy the situation.

Soil Movement
Unfortunately, we can’t always control the outside environment. However, you can gain knowledge on what type of soil your structure is built on so you can better predict the likelihood of having foundational cracks. Structures typically built on expansive soil types, such as clay soil, are more likely to develop cracks due to the retention of water. More loose soils, such as sandy soil, allows for better drainage and results in fewer cracks in the structure.

Leaks
Any sort of major leak in your home could lead to potential foundation cracks. Under slab leaks are the most detrimental. This is due to the fact they are harder to identify than other leaks that are more in view of the homeowner. One major indication that you may have an under-slab leak is a high water bill. If your bill shows your home using much more water than usual, it’s very likely you have a leak somewhere that is out of normal view. By contacting San Antonio Foundation Repair, they can help you identify where the leak is and how much of the foundation needs to be fixed.

Tree Roots
Just as your house ages, so do the trees around it. As trees age, their roots continue to grow bigger and deeper into the soil around them. When these trees are close to your home that could mean pushing into your foundation and causing cracks to occur. Never underestimate the strength of tree roots as they can be extremely damaging to a home’s foundation.

Poor Pre-Construction Soil Compaction 
Building a home correctly is a job that requires attention to detail from the start to the finish. Unfortunately, some building companies try to skimp out on important steps at the beginning that can lead to catastrophic problems in the future for the homeowner. The uppermost layers of the soil surrounding your foundation are the most important. These need to be properly compacted to keep the foundation stable and free from movement while it settles.

Simple Evaporation
The heat in the summertime coupled with the dry winds can lead to imprudent evaporation of moisture into the soil surrounding your foundation. This can lead to contraction problems that cause cracks to occur in a home’s foundation. This is a more common problem in environments with high humidity.
Cracks in the foundation of your structure can happen for a variety of reasons. It’s important that you take the time or hire someone to look over your home or business a couple of times a year to ensure there are no new foundation leaks. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to seek out an expert before the problem gets out of control.