Cincinnati Foundation Inspection: Foundation Crack Repair

Cincinnati Foundation Inspection: Foundation Crack Repair

When we first consider buying a specific home, we often fall in love with the bay window, crown moulding, or walk-in closet. Perhaps the least enchanting part of our home is the most important, however, and that’s the foundation. Your home’s foundation is essential to its structural integrity. Now, not every basement crack means your home has a structural problem. Even minor foundation cracks, however, can lead to water intrusion and the presence of underground gases like radon. So how do you perform a Cincinnati foundation inspection? Do any flaws in your home necessitate foundation crack repair?

It’s important to note that basement cracks in concrete foundations are normal as a home settles over time. Homes in our area will often have cracks form after construction. This is due to changes in the moisture level in the ground under and around a home. Some types of concrete are more likely to have cracks appear. The important thing is to know when foundation crack repair in Cincinnati is needed. It’s also important to feel comfortable with what you can tackle yourself and what should be left to a professional.

As always, if you’re not absolutely certain what to look for in a Cincinnati foundation inspection, don’t worry. If your foundation crack repair seems beyond what your skill or time allow, no problem. Just hail a ProMaster “Home Repair Hero!” We would love to assist you with any of your home repair needs.

Cincinnati Foundation Inspection: What to Look For

Vertical Cracks:

If you find cracks in your basement that run from the sill plate (where your foundation meets the above-ground construction) towards the floor in a mostly-vertical manner, you have the most common kind of foundation crack. Vertical cracks usually imply no structural deficiency with your home, but they can still be troublesome. Many times these cracks will allow water to leak into your basement, as well as radon gas. You can diagnose this even if there is not currently water intrusion. The crack may have water stains at the point of the water’s entry.

If you have vertical cracks in your basement, you may be able to tackle this foundation crack repair on your own. These cracks are usually repaired by filling them with an epoxy or polyurethane injection. This allows the crack to be entirely filled through the entire thickness of the wall. These materials also have the ability to expand with the crack should the home still be in the process of settling.

You should note that, if your crack is over 1/8 inch wide, it could be a sign of a larger issue. These situations should be inspected by a professional, such as a ProMaster Home Repair craftsman.

Diagonal Cracks:

Diagonal cracks in a basement wall are also caused by the shifting of ground underneath the home, but generally take a little greater effort to repair. While one side of the crack could be wider than another, the same 1/8 inch rule applies. If any part of the crack is over 1/8 inch wide, you should consult with a professional regarding inspection and repair.

Should your diagonal crack be a hairline crack or under 1/8 inch wide, it is still best to pursue foundation crack repair with an epoxy or polyurethane injection.

Horizontal Cracks:

Horizontal foundation cracks of any size could be indicative of a serious foundation issue. These cracks are often caused by an immense amount of pressure placed on the wall by water in the ground. Foundations can also be bowed by an improper backfill during construction. When you’re performing a Cincinnati foundation inspection, have horizontal cracks reviewed by a professional.

While there are cases in which a horizontal crack will be injected, most repairs necessitate excavation and further construction to shore up the integrity of the foundation wall.

Corner Cracks:

If you look at the corners of your foundation from outside your home, it is possible that you will see small cracks within 10 inches of the corner of your foundation. Often these cracks do not go below grade, and they may appear on both adjoining walls. This is often found in brick homes, and can be caused by the expanding and contracting of the brick against the foundation, also known as sloughing. These corner wedge cracks are mostly cosmetic in nature. If they concern you, however, you may want to have a professional perform your Cincinnati foundation inspection. This will ensure that the problem isn’t more serious, particularly if you see cracking in the masonry above the foundation crack.

If any of these issues seem too daunting for you to assess or repair on your own, no worries. Simply contact ProMaster and hail a Home Repair Hero! You can schedule service online, fill out the form at the bottom of this page, or call us at 513-322-2914.