Is it normal to have cracks in basement walls?
It’s not uncommon to be in any basement and notice a few cracks here or there. Yes, they can be frustrating to the homeowner, but they’re a common occurrence. Stress points are one of the reasons cracks are created in your walls. They can occur when you’re installing lines for the electric, gas or sewer.
Should I be worried about cracks in my basement wall?
“Major” cracks are anything more than ¾ wide with a leaning foundation. Finding these cracks would be cause for concern and could signal a much more costly, structural problem. When cracks become this severe, the best course of action is to consult a professional foundation specialist or a structural engineer.
Are cracks normal in new foundations?
Most foundation cracks are common in new and old homes. In fact, you might start seeing cracks in a newly constructed home’s foundation in as little as a year. The good news is the small cracks can be successfully patched.
What causes hairline cracks in basement walls?
Hairline cracks are common in new construction foundations across the country. They usually appear within one year and caused by the settling and drying of the new foundation.
How can you tell if a crack is structural?
Structural cracks in concrete walls and the foundation signify a considerable shift in the home’s foundation.
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 common are basement cracks?
It’s very common for cracks to form in a home’s foundation after it’s built. Most times the cracks are normal, non-structural settlement cracks. However, there are many reasons why a foundation cracks, such as settling of the home, concrete shrinkage and curing, stress, and poor construction.
How much concrete cracking is acceptable?
Generally, cracks with a width of less than 0.3 mm are acceptable and do not affect the structure. However, they may develop and grow to become structural cracks. Therefore, one should monitor small cracks on houses or structures. Crack width greater than 0.3 mm can create problems for the durability of the structure.
How do you fix cracks in concrete basement walls?
Basement wall repairs are best done with a caulking gun and an epoxy-based resin. To heal most cracks, particularly those in the mortar between concrete block, you can place the tip of the tube of epoxy into the crack and squeeze the trigger to apply the sealant.
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.
House foundation repair cost factors.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cracks | $350-$1,350 |
| Leaks | $500-$3,500 |
| Underpinning | $9,500-$15,000 |
| Mudjacking | $2,700 for an average home basement |
How do I know if my foundation crack is serious?
You can start to worry when you see,
- Cracks that are wider than 1/10 inch.
- Cracks that are wider at one end.
- Cracks that are getting bigger over time.
- Stair step cracks in brickwork.
- Horizontal foundation cracks, with or without bowing.
- Several vertical cracks near each other.
- Big, diagonal cracks.
How do you know if a wall crack is serious?
Measure the width of cracks with measuring tape. Typically, wider cracks signify more serious issues than thinner cracks. Cracks less than 1/8-inch thick are considered stress cracks and are harmless, while cracks 1/4-inch wide and larger are often more serious.
How do you know if a foundation crack is serious?
If the crack is located closer to a corner and is wider than 1/8 in, it is probably not due to shrinkage but indicates a more serious foundation issue. If your vertical foundation crack is wider than 1/8 of an inch, call a professional to get it inspected as it may be a cause for concern.
Can a house collapse from foundation issues?
Serious problems with your home’s foundation can lead to the structure collapsing so it’s crucial that you watch out for the signs as most problems are repairable. Causes could be that your foundation is on loose and poorly drained soil, or human errors like plumbing leaks and the use of inferior foundation materials.
How can I fix a crack in my foundation myself?
Fix Concrete Cracks in 8 Steps
- Step 1: Repair a Foundation Crack With an Epoxy Sealer. …
- Step 2: Block Out the Injection Ports. …
- Step 3: Mix the Epoxy Sealer. …
- Step 4: Attach the Injection Port. …
- Step 5: Spread Sealer Along the Crack. …
- Step 6: Inject the Epoxy into the Crack. …
- Step 7: Seal Up the Injection Ports.
Should I worry about cracks in walls?
Unfortunately, cracking in your walls and ceilings may also be the result of damage to your foundation. If you’re seeing large cracks that are more than a quarter-inch wide or other signs that have you concerned about your foundation, it’s definitely time to have your home checked.
Can you just paint over hairline cracks?
For deeper hairline cracks, you may want to use a filler to fill up the cracks before applying a new layer of paint in the affected area. However, if an extensive area has been affected, you will need to scrape off the paint and then sand the entire area to even out the edges before applying a fresh coat of paint.
Are vertical cracks in foundation normal?
Of the foundation cracks you are likely to encounter, vertical cracks are generally the most common and least severe type of crack you will come across. Vertical cracks are cracks that go straight up and down, or maybe on a slight diagonal of within 30 degrees of vertical, and are a common occurrence in many houses.
What do settlement cracks look like?
Settlement cracks in walls can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal and in floors they aren’t necessarily straight. They can vary in width but, if crack widths are less than 2mm wide, they are unlikely to affect the structural stability of your home.
