Foundation Cracks Normal?

When are Foundation Cracks Normal or Signs of Foundation Problems

When are Foundation Cracks Normal or Signs of Foundation Problems?
Learn to answer the question – when are foundation cracks normal or when foundation cracking is a sign of foundation problems. Foundations often have cracks. Telling meaningful cracks from inconsequential cracks is important.

SCRIPT

• Hi I’m Fred Marshall from Foundation Repair.
• I’m here to talk about foundation cracks and what they mean for you and your foundation.
• Foundations often have cracks.
• Telling meaningful cracks from inconsequential cracks is important.
• Even new concrete foundations have some cracks.
• The cracks are often caused by the hardening or curing process.
• As concrete cures, the concrete shrinks.
• Such cracks in newly formed slabs are called shrinkage cracks.
• Most shrinkage cracks are the inconsequential variety usually left are a 16th of an inch wide.
• Other cracks are caused by foundation movement.
• Foundations can bend but just a bit but not much.
• Excessive bending causes cracks.
• Cracks will often show up on the exterior and interior of a foundation.
• Cracks that are more than an 8th of an inch wide usually mean that the foundation has been bent.
• Because most foundations have steel in them, cracks will open and close but the two sides will stay at the same level.
• If the sides of the cracks are at different levels, like this, this suggests that, but does not guarantee that, there is a lack of reinforcing steel.
• When foundations are lifted, cracks do not always close.
• Cracks are often held open by pebbles or pieces of concrete.
• In other cases the sides may have shifted just enough to prevent the crack from lining up perfectly so it will not close.
• There is usually no need to fill cracks after a foundation has been lifted because most homes have a sheet of plastic under them often of a material such as Visqueen.
• If you have foundation and think that you are having foundation problems, call the experts at Advanced Foundation Repair, 214-333-0003.

Download the How to Tell if Foundation Cracks are Normal whitepaper.