Foundation Cracks Growing During Dog Days of Summer

Foundation Cracks Growing During Dog Days of Summer

Foundation Cracks Growing During Dog Days of Summer

Learn about foundation cracks and how hot summer days do not help.

By Frederick Marshall
(United States, Dallas, TX)
July 25, 2012

It’s the dog days of summer and Texans already know what the data supports. According to Weather.com, August is Texas’ hottest and driest month. The ground starts to crack and then homeowners start noticing additional foundation cracks in foundations. “Home owners don’t panic. Some foundation cracks are normal” says Fred Marshall, owner of Advanced Foundation Repair, a Texas foundation repair company.

Foundations often have cracks, even new foundations. These 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. This may be a sign of foundation problems. It may be time for foundation repairs.

During foundation repairs, when foundations are lifted, cracks do not always close. Unlike fitting a cracked plate back together, the foundation will often not close. Foundation cracks can be 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.

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. The polyethylene plastic sheeting works as a vapor barrier under the foundation. The barrier also keeps bugs out.

For homes built without Visqueen, built prior to 1950, or for homeowners who would like to fill the cracks, there are several foundation crack filling options. There are many DIY articles on how fill foundation cracks. Cement crack filler products can be found at any local hardware store.

Advanced Foundation Repair offers home repairs from the foundation up including foundation repair, plumbing and general construction services. Advanced Foundation Repair has specialized in foundation repair needs of Texas homeowners for over 100 years. Advanced Foundation Repair specialists’ reputations for prompt and honest service assure customers reliable service. Find additional home owner tips and DIY white papers.

Frederick Marshall is the CEO of Advanced Foundation Repair, LLC, a foundation repair company specializing in home repairs from the foundation up including foundation repair, foundation drainage, exterior foundation waterproofing, foundation irrigation, and plumbing services. Advanced Foundation Repair has specialized in foundation repair needs of Texas homeowners for over 100 years. Connect with him on Google+.