They are caused by pressure from the outside of the walls (hydrostatic pressure) and can lead to a failure of your foundation walls. While your foundation is designed to handle this pressure of water and soil, additional load (heavy rain) can put it over the edge and create cracks.
How can you tell if a crack is structural?
As the name suggests, structural cracks occur because of poor construction sites, overloading or poor soil bearing.
Telltale signs of structural cracks in your foundation are:
- Stair-step cracks.
- Cracks on foundation slabs or beams.
- Vertical cracks that are wide at the bottom or top.
- Cracks measuring 1/8″ in width.
How much does it cost to fix crack in basement wall?
Repairing the foundation of a house can cost as little as $350 for a single crack. However, the total cost can be tens of thousands of dollars if you’re also dealing with major structural problems.
Foundation repair cost:
| National average cost | $542 |
|---|---|
| Low-end cost | $200-$226 |
How do you know you have foundation problems?
How to Spot Foundation Issues Around the House
- Test Doors and Windows. …
- Look for Sagging Floors or Ceilings. …
- Investigate Those Musty Smells in the Basement. …
- Inspect Sources of Mold. …
- Check for Gaps Between Exterior Windows and Walls. …
- Examine Any Bowed Walls. …
- Pay Attention to Your Chimney. …
- Look for Nails Popping Out of Drywall.
How do you stop concrete cracks from spreading?
If you’re having new concrete poured consider the following ways to prevent cracking:
- Start with a sound subgrade. Make sure the subgrade is compacted. …
- Modify the concrete mix. Use a low water-to-cement ratio. …
- Install joints. Be active in deciding where control joints will be placed. …
- Properly cure the concrete.
