Stabilize Your St. Louis, MO, Home's Foundation With Our Crack Repair Services
Cracks in foundation walls can unnerve even the savviest homeowners, as they cause immediate concern about foundation issues. However, not all cracked walls indicate a severe problem. The fact is - concrete cracks. Usually, wall cracks are common shrinkage cracks that occur as the concrete cures. These cracks are typically vertical and usually less than 1/16″ wide. They are quite different from structural or settlement cracks which can happen due to differential loading, lateral pressure, or from vertical movement due to soil shrinkage. But considering how vital your walls are - without them you don't even have a home - you need to have a crack repair specialist take a look immediately.
If you've noticed cracks in your walls or foundation, don't delay - contact the team at High & Dry at 636-273-1150 for inspection and repair services!
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Foundation Cracks?
When you have cracks in your foundation or walls, it can be good to understand what might have caused them so those issues can be addressed. Some of the biggest culprits include:
- Soil - The soil around your home can move over time - erosion, expansion, contraction, and settling can all impact how your home sits on the ground around it. Sometimes your foundation is able to "go along" as these movements happen, but oftentimes the stresses introduced can cause cracks to develop.
- Water - If you don't have proper drainage around your home and water collects around the foundation, it can put increased pressure on the foundation which leads to damage. Additionally, a leak in your plumbing system can cause similar issues.
- Temperature - Freeze and thaw cycles can cause contraction and expansion of not only the soil around your home, but of the foundation materials themselves. This repeated contraction and expansion puts additional stress on the foundation and can cause cracks to develop.
- Construction - If your foundation isn't built strong to begin with, it will be more susceptible to damage. If the soil beneath your foundation isn't properly prepared, or if substandard materials are used in your construction, your home will be prone to developing cracks.
Crack Repair FAQs
The most common method of foundation crack repair involves injecting epoxy or polyurethane foam into the cracks. This process, known as crack injection, effectively seals and reinforces the damaged areas, preventing water intrusion and further structural issues. The chosen material depends on the type and size of the crack. Epoxy is suitable for structural repairs, while polyurethane is flexible and effective in preventing water leaks. Professional assessment and application ensure the success of this commonly used technique in foundation repair.
The best material for wall crack repair depends on the type and extent of the damage. For minor cracks, latex or acrylic caulks work well, providing flexibility and ease of application. For more substantial cracks, epoxy or polyurethane injection is often recommended, as these materials offer structural strength and durability. Epoxy is suitable for repairing structural cracks, while polyurethane is effective for preventing water penetration. A professional assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate material for successful and lasting wall crack repair.
Foundation crack repair becomes necessary when monitoring reveals that the cracks are expanding. Marking the ends of each crack with a pencil and the date helps track changes. If a crack widens, it may indicate a more serious issue beyond natural settling. Immediate professional evaluation is advised for cracks that increase in size, as this can signal underlying structural problems requiring repair.
A foundation is considered beyond repair when the cost of fixing it doesn't add value to the home, often due to severe damage like a total collapse. While most foundation issues can be addressed through repairs, sealing, or structural reinforcements, irreparable conditions are rare. Signs of a possibly irreparable foundation include extremely wide cracks, cracks changing direction, bulging walls from water pressure, or significant structural deformities indicating a risk of collapse. In such cases, immediate expert consultation is essential.
How Can I Avoid Cracks In My Foundation?
In addition to teaming up with High & Dry to inspect your foundation and make sure everything remains in great shape, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent cracks from forming:
- Proper Drainage - Install gutters and downspouts to make sure water is directed away from the foundation. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are properly maintained and not clogged up.
- Manage Landscaping - Trees and large shrubs should be planted away from the foundation so their roots don't exert extra pressure. Try and look for plants with less aggressive root systems. Additionally, mulch around the foundation can help maintain consistent soil moisture levels to prevent expansion or contraction.
- Control Temperatures - Believe it or not, maintaining a stable temperature inside your home through the use of your HVAC system can help prevent undue thermal stresses on your foundation.
- Prevent Erosion - With proper erosion control measures in place, such as retaining walls and proper landscaping, you can keep the soil around your foundation as it was meant to be, maintaining its support of your foundation.
Take Action Now To Avoid Catastrophe Later
You should periodically take a peek around your home to make sure cracks haven't developed - and when you notice they have, don't delay in taking action. You can reach out to our experts for an inspection and free estimate to determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to address it. Send us a message online or call 636-273-1150 for help today!