Identifying The Root Causes of Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are a common problem in major homes. However, it is not a reason or a cause for alarm. Not all foundation cracks are serious, and some can be repaired easily. However, it’s important to be aware of the different causes of foundation cracks. This will ensure that you take the necessary steps to prevent them or repair them promptly if they do occur.

For those in Delhi, where monsoons are common, waterproofing contractors in Delhi become an essential part of the conversation. In this blog, we will talk about each of the causes of foundation cracks in detail. Additionally, we will explore and provide tips on how to prevent them. We will identify how these professionals can help prevent and mitigate foundation cracks efficiently. Read on!!!

Top Causes of Concrete Foundation Cracks

A concrete foundation crack is a fracture or separation in a concrete foundation. Signs like characterize it;

• Exterior Wall Cracks
• Interior Wall Cracks
• Bouncing Floors
• Mildew Smell
• Warped or Cracked Siding
• Sinking Ground, etc

The Top Causes of Foundation Cracks

Drought or too much moisture:

During a drought, the soil around the foundation can shrink and lose moisture. This shrinkage creates gaps between the foundations. This, in turn, affects the surrounding soil, leading to a loss of support for the foundation. Also, when a drought is followed by heavy rainfall, the soil can quickly absorb the water and expand. This expansion can exert pressure on the foundation walls. It, in turn, causes them to crack and bow.

Tips to Prevent 

• Use a gentle sprinkler to water the soil around your foundation. This keeps it moist and prevents shrinkage.
• Install French drains, which are gravel-filled trenches. These drains redirect water away from your home’s foundation to prevent this issue.

Earthquakes

During an earthquake, the ground can move or shift. This could cause the foundation to weaken and crack. This movement is highly noticed in areas with poor soil conditions. Examples include deep, loose sand, silty clays, sand and gravel, and soft, saturated granular soils. The quicksand effect of water-saturated soils can make the ground incapable of supporting a foundation. This will lead to uneven settling or building collapse.

Tips to prevent

• Consider reinforcing your foundation by using techniques such as mud jacking, underpinning, or lifting the house.
• Install structural steel connectors and shear walls. 

Storms

Heavy rainfall during a storm can saturate the soil around the foundation. This can lead to an upsurge in hydrostatic pressure. Over time, this pressure can cause the walls of a foundation to bow inward. As a result, it can crack and lose structural integrity.  

Tips to prevent

• Ensure you have positive slopes in place. This will help to drain surface water and keep it from reaching the foundation.
• Ensure your gutters are free of garbage and direct water away from your foundation.

Plumbing Leaks

When water leaks from a plumbing line under a concrete slab, it can erode the soil supporting the slab. This causes it to weaken and develop cracks. Also, concrete is porous and absorbs water. This leads to crack and shift over time. These cracks can then lead to further water damage and foundation problems.

Tips to prevent

• Regular plumbing inspections can help identify and address leaks before they cause significant damage. 
• If you suspect a plumbing leak, contact professional plumbing and foundation repair services as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.

Flooding

Floodwater can seep into existing cracks in the concrete and compromise the foundation’s structural integrity. Additionally, if cracks in the foundation already exist, flooding can further destabilize the structure. Small cracks can become larger. It will lead to more water penetration. This, in turn, will compromise the foundation’s integrity.

Tips to prevent

• Waterproofing the foundation helps prevent water from seeping in and causing damage.
• Any existing cracks in the foundation should be repaired promptly to prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can cause concrete foundation cracks. This is due to the soil around the foundation becoming dehydrated and shrinking. This makes the soil move around and stop supporting the foundation. It can also lead to cracked drywall, sticking doors, and sloping floors. 

Tips to prevent 

• Water around the foundation to keep the soil moist and prevent dehydration. 
• Do routine checks inside and outside your home for possible cracks in the slab foundation, uneven floors, cracks in walls, cracks in door and window frames, and stuck doors and windows.
• Planting trees or installing shading devices to reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting the foundation 

Conclusion For Causes Of Foundation Cracks 

Understanding the causes of foundation cracks is paramount for homeowners and builders alike. These cracks lead to costly structural damage if left unaddressed. Therefore, it’s necessary to take preventive actions and seek professional help. In Delhi, where monsoon conditions are prevalent, waterproofing contractors play a vital role. They provide specialized expertise in safeguarding your foundation against water intrusion. By investing in the services of experienced waterproofing contractors in Delhi, you can strengthen your home’s foundation, ensuring its longevity and structural integrity.