The sight of a crack in your foundation can be unnerving.
You may wonder, “Is my foundation failing?” or “Do I have to fix this?” The good news is most foundation cracks don’t pose any immediate risk to your foundation or home, but certain cracks do. If you’re not sure which foundation cracks are acceptable and which you should worry about, we’ll go over the difference between harmless and harmful cracks below.
What Kinds of Cracks Are Acceptable?
Breaks in your foundation look scary, but most are nothing to worry about. A small amount of cracking is normal for concrete foundations and usually occurs due to natural settling or shrinking. These “hairline cracks” are non-structural, and while they look ghastly, they won’t cause any major issues. How do you tell which foundation cracks are acceptable and which you should worry about? Generally, a foundation crack is unlikely to cause harm if it is:
- Thinner than 1/10 inch
- Vertical
- Not leaking
- Not growing
That said, it doesn’t hurt to have a professional look at it as a precaution. While rare, non-structural cracks can occasionally compromise the functionality of your foundation.
When Should I Worry?
On the other hand, get in touch with a foundation pro as soon as possible if you notice a crack that’s:
- Wider than 1/10 inch
- Horizontal
- Leaking
- Growing
- Located beside several other cracks
Cracks with these properties often point to a more serious issue, like soil shifting or poor drainage.
How Do You Fix Foundation Cracks?
If cracks in your foundation have you feeling on edge, the first thing you should do is reach out to the foundation repair pros at Foundation Technology. We’ll inspect your foundation at no cost and determine whether the cracks are normal or need repair. If repair is necessary, we offer a variety of crack-fixing solutions, such as push pier installation, that will stop the problem at its source so you don’t have to worry anymore.
