You’ve just bought a newly constructed home or completed the construction of your home and now are settled. Everything is going well until you spot foundation wall cracks. Should you be alarmed? Is this normal for a new concrete foundation? What action should you take? Read on to find out.
Types of cracks
There are two main types of cracks that can occur to new concrete foundations.
- Shrinkage cracks
These cracks occur as the concrete cures. They are a result of water evaporating from the concrete over time and causing the concrete to shrink.
Shrinkage cracks are a common occurrence in concrete foundations. However, they are often hairline cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If the cracks are more extensive, they could be a result of premature curing, poor mixing of the concrete, or inadequate reinforcement of the foundation with steel rods. Visible shrinkage cracks can also be the result of significant temperature variations causing expansion and sudden contraction of the concrete.
The repair of these cracks is often not as intense as they are non-structural. However, if left unattended, they can be the site of water penetrating the basement. It is, therefore, essential to get in touch with a waterproofing contractor to repair and seal the cracks.
- Settlement cracks
The movement of the foundation causes these types of cracks.
Homes aren’t static structures. They move and settle in response to their environment. Houses sink into the soil soon after completion of the construction. Cracks may occur when the house settles unevenly. Cracks may also result from the pressure placed against the foundation walls by the surrounding soil.
Settlement cracks are a more urgent problem as they can result in structural damage to the home. It is essential to ensure that you get in touch with a professional foundation repair contractor as soon as possible. They will inspect the cracks and determine the best action to take.
The repair of these wall cracks is dependent on the root cause of the cracking, as well as soil conditions. In many instances, the contractor’s priority will be to stabilize the foundation and then address any other issues, including repairing the actual cracks.
Get rid of cracks in your foundation
If you notice cracks in your foundation, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with a professional contractor to have your foundation inspected. The inspection will ensure you understand the cause of the cracks and can seek a long term solution for their repair.
Contact the Professionals at Everdry Waterproofing of S.E. Michigan Today! (586) 698-3030
Jeff’s passion for basement waterproofing can be traced back to his early days at Everdry Waterproofing. He spent significant time working in every department not only to learn and improve but to help those who worked with him advance both personally and professionally.
Jeff has worked in the Waterproofing industry for 35 years, gaining experience in marketing, sales, service, and installations. As a seasoned basement waterproofing professional, he is passionate about advancing his knowledge in waterproofing and developing his team. In addition to basement waterproofing, he is also a board member for a non profit that educates and protects consumers against unethical business practices. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys travel, music, and time with his wife of 36 years and his two sons.
Curious about the brains behind the great content here? It’s me, Jeff Schleuning, with 35+ years of expertise in the basement waterproofing industry and a rich history of owning a Basement Waterproofing franchise in Michigan.
My journey has equipped my team and I with invaluable insights, enabling to craft content that resonates with the audience using industry-leading online tools. Incorporating tools like SEMRush, Google Keyword Planner, AI technologies like ChatGPT, Claude-2, Google Bard, and Grammarly, we ensure the content is not just engaging but also strategically aligned with market trends.
