Guidelines to Follow When Repairing Foundation Cracks
Your house's foundation supports the entire weight of the house. If the foundation is properly laid, your house will have structural integrity for decades. On the other hand, when the foundation is not laid the right way, you end up with complications such as cracks on the house, windows that will not close and sloping floors, among others. The biggest problem with weak foundations is that if they're not dealt with, they might culminate in the loss of the building. Here are some guidelines that you will find useful in the repair of foundation cracks.
Look at the Location of the Crack
Some types of cracks point at a deeper problem with the foundation. However, other types of cracks result from simpler issues such as issues with the concrete curing process. If the crack appears at the point where the wall of the foundation meets that of the basement, chances are that your house does not have structural problems. However, the crack should be sealed. Hairline cracks and other cracks that are minuscule are nothing to worry about, but you can keep monitoring them for further development. On the other hand, gaping vertical cracks are an indication of serious structural problems that need to be resolved.
Check the Size of the Crack
Smaller foundation cracks are easy to deal with by simply having them sealed. However, the size of the foundation should always guide you in determining what to do with the crack. For instance, if the crack exceeds half an inch, it is advisable to get a professional to look at it. Additionally, if the crack is accompanied by a bulge in the foundational wall, the house may have a big structural problem that needs to be rectified. Only a foundation crack repair contractor can help you decide the types of cracks to simply seal and those to deal with differently.
Getting a Professional for Sealing
It is advisable that if you are not sure about the condition of your foundation, look for a professional to handle the sealing process. A professional contractor will assess the type and extent of the crack and figure out if it needs repair or other measures.
The most important thing to remember about sealing foundation cracks is that the earlier you do it, the less the damage the cracks will cause on the structure. As long as the work is done by a professional, you are assured of a sturdy house for decades.