What Causes Foundation Cracks?

The foundation is perhaps the most important part of your home. Sure the roof over your head and the walls that shield you do a lot of work, but without the foundation, it all comes crashing down. Unfortunately, all of the literal weight and stress that the foundation shoulders will eventually take its toll. Once cracks start forming, they quickly lead to other issues like water seeping into your basement and the mold and mildew damage that comes with it. Before long, water damage that goes uncorrected can lead from foundation cracks to wall cracks to bowing and buckling walls. Read on to learn more about the causes of foundation cracks and what you can do about them. 

Goldilocks Moisture

When it comes to moisture, too much is a terrible problem, but so is too little. When you have excess moisture in the soil around the foundation, it can swell and put pressure on the foundation, causing cracks. Similarly, when it is excessively dry, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the foundation. This can also cause damage. And the back-and-forth, push-pull action as the seasons change puts considerable strain on your foundation, year after year.

Freeze-Thaw

Winter often presents us with a series of freezes and thaws, which can certainly be problematic for your foundation. The excess water from snow melts can cause water damage and crack – make sure that you clear the snow away from your foundation when there are large storms. Also, in the early and late winter when temperatures swing wildly, watch for cracks. Fast changes from below freezing to warm can cause cracking as well.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause huge issues for buildings, especially foundations. Roots are incredibly strong and can eventually spread out much further from the tree trunk than you might expect. Roots that grow down under your foundation can push it upwards causing extensive damage. 

Poor Construction

If you’re noticing cracks in a relatively new home, the problem may actually be poor construction. New homes require a great deal of work before any concrete is poured, and if any of it is skipped, it can lead to problems down the line. 

Interior Leaks

Finally, water damage doesn’t just come from outside. The plumbing inside your house can also cause water damage that could hurt your foundation. Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for leaks and having your plumbing checked and maintained.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality!

When it comes to finding the best solution for your crawl space encapsulation and waterproofing needs, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.