If you have a basement and take a look at your walls, you’re likely to find at least one crack. Don’t worry, this is actually normal, however it’s good to know how these happen and if they become larger in size, what to do about getting these basement cracks repaired.
Why Cracks in Basement Walls Occur?
Stress Points
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. This weakens the concrete and can lead to cracking. They’re also common to discover in the corners of windows, angling off from the edge and is actually the first place we check when we conduct an analysis of a foundation.
Saturation of Soil
Saturation of soil means a wet ground. When your basement was constructed, it had to be supported by footings. These are at the base of each wall and are responsible for holding up the house. Once the soil under these footings becomes saturated a little too much, the footings will then begin to ‘settle’ which in turn can create cracks in the walls.
When the soil becomes oversaturated, the earth around your foundation will likely expand. A majority of foundations are constructed to withstand such pressure so the extra weight of this saturated soil can actually make the walls push inward. This is when you notice the angled cracks in the corners of the walls or windows. What causes oversaturation? There could be many causes, including poor gutters, improper grading, or even lack of an underground downspout extension or sump pump.
Drought
So you’re likely curious how drought could create cracks in the wall. Well, too much moisture can cause them, but surprisingly, so can a lack of moisture in the soil. A drought is typically what will steal the moisture from the soil, which then causes the soil to shrink. This makes the foundation walls shift outward and causes the footings to settle. This type of drought typically happens if you have outdoor plants close to your foundation; they search for moisture deep in the ground, potentially taking it from the soil that surrounds your foundation’s footings.
Shrinking of Concrete
Pouring concrete isn’t an easy task and if it’s done wrong, it can cause many issues. Many different variables and factors are included in the science of pouring concrete. Water is necessary for the mixture of concrete, so naturally there is an expansion when wet (or being mixed) and then a contraction once it’s dried. Different factors can alter the way it dries including the mixture of concrete, humidity levels and the type of aggregate used.
Timing
Timing seems to be everything in all aspects of life, including pouring concrete for a foundation. For instance, imagine your foundation being poured and the builder runs out of concrete mid-pour. This will disrupt the ability to make the foundation a complete, whole piece. Having to wait for another batch of concrete to arrive or be mixed means enduring a time for cold joints to form in between pours, which could allow water to seep through at that time and in the future.
What To Do About Cracks in Your Basement or Foundation?
If you have a few minor cracks that are small in size, also known as hairline cracks, then there’s no need to worry. However, if you are unsure or these cracks look large or are getting bigger, it’s best to call in a foundation or basement crack repair company, like Edens Structural Solutions. Call us today for a consultation and see how we can help you with your basement crack repairs.
