The foundation is integral to the stability of your home. When you noticed that crack running down it the other day, you may have panicked, thinking, “Is my home’s structural integrity ruined?” And, naturally, you wanted to know what caused this crack in the first place.
Cracks can happen for various reasons. The good news is that most cracks aren’t serious, and once you locate and eliminate the source, you shouldn’t experience further cracking. Here are four common causes of foundation cracking that could be the potential culprits behind your recent startling discovery.
Tree Roots
If a tree grows too close to your home, its roots can sneak underneath the foundation and sap moisture from the soil there. This issue can make the soil brittle and weak. The dirt will crumble and sink, taking your home’s foundation down with it.
Plumbing Leaks
Trees can dry out the soil beneath your foundation. Plumbing leaks, on the other hand, can introduce excess moisture into the soil. As the soil becomes saturated with water, it swells, pushing up on the foundation. This constant pressure can lead to the formation of cracks.
Earthquakes
If you live in a quake-prone state such as Alaska, California, or Nevada, you also have to worry about seismic activity fracturing your foundation. Even minor tremors put your foundation under a tremendous amount of stress, causing it to shift, settle, and crack.
Poor Construction
Another common cause of foundation cracking is poor construction. If contractors built your foundation using low-quality materials or improper techniques, it could crack by virtue of its non-existent structural integrity. Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen poorly constructed foundations that don’t involve pouring a new one. Solutions such as piers and foam can restabilize weak bases and eliminate cracking.
If you notice a crack in your foundation, stay calm. Most cracks are minor and pose no threat to your home. You can fix these foundation cracks yourself or with the help of a pro. That said, not all types of cracks are harmless—if you spot one that’s horizontal, large, or leaking, it’s best to have a contractor examine it.
