Posted on: Aug 14, 2024
ProWaterUser2020
Foundation cracks, however big or small, are a common concern for property owners in Ontario. While not all cracks indicate serious issues with the structural integrity of your building, some can be a sign of underlying problems that, if left unchecked, could lead to costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll explore various foundation crack causes and what you can do about them, along with key warning signs to watch out for, so you can ensure the stability and safety of your property!
Soil movement, especially in clay-heavy regions like parts of Ontario, can cause foundation cracks. When the soil expands with moisture or contracts during dry spells, it exerts pressure on your foundation, leading to horizontal or vertical foundation cracks.
These basement cracks often manifest during periods of extreme weather, such as prolonged droughts or heavy rainfall. They may be accompanied by other indicators of soil movement, including uneven floors, doors that stick or become difficult to close, and visible gaps around windows or door frames.
Over time, this constant shifting can weaken your foundation, making it more susceptible to larger structural issues if not addressed promptly.
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Tree roots can exert substantial pressure on foundation walls as they grow and expand. This persistent force can gradually lead to the formation of foundation cracks to be concerned about.
While roots typically grow slowly, they can lead to significant damage over time if not managed or if trees are planted too close to the house. If you have a large tree near your home, removing the roots might be a good idea before it causes cracks in the foundation.
Frost heave occurs when water in the soil freezes and expands, lifting the foundation and leading to large, horizontal foundation cracks. This is a common issue in colder climates like Ontario, where freezing temperatures can cause significant ground movement.
This foundation crack often accompanies other signs of frost damage, such as cracked sidewalks, driveways, or patios. It is more prevalent during the spring thaw when the ground begins to settle.
Flash floods and flooding can cause sudden and severe damage to a foundation by overwhelming the surrounding soil with water.
The rapid influx of water increases hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls, which can lead to immediate cracks, most commonly basement cracks. Additionally, the force of the floodwater can erode the soil supporting the foundation, causing it to shift or settle unevenly, potentially leading to significant structural issues if not addressed promptly.
Disaster-caused cracks in the foundation often appear suddenly and may be accompanied by collapsed walls or ceilings. If you see large cracks, it’s best to call the pros for emergency assistance.
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Concrete shrinkage cracks look like hairline foundation cracks that don’t usually span through the entire foundation wall. They commonly occur during the cement’s curing process. As water leaves the drying concrete, the volume changes and causes the concrete to shrink, which generates tensile forces that can cause a crack in foundation.
Concrete shrinkage cracks are usually small, thin, and randomly distributed. These hairline cracks can appear as early as just a few hours, or within the first few days or weeks after the concrete slab is poured.
Cold joints occur when concrete is poured in layers that don’t bond properly, leaving a visible seam or weak spot in the foundation.
They aren’t technically concrete foundation cracks, but take on a somewhat similar appearance. These weak points can crack over time, especially under stress or when exposed to moisture. While not always a structural concern, cold joints can lead to water infiltration and should be sealed to prevent further damage.
Cold joints are often visible as a distinct line or separation in the concrete. They may be accompanied by other signs of weakness, such as crumbling or spalling concrete.
Excessive weight from structures or heavy equipment placed above the foundation can cause cracks. This is especially true if the foundation was not designed to support such loads.
Over time, the added pressure can lead to stress cracks, which may widen or become more severe if the load is not reduced or the foundation is not reinforced. Other signs of foundation distress, such as bowing walls or sloping floors can also appear alongside these structural foundation cracks.
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Backfilling the surrounding areas of a newly constructed basement can put pressure on an unfinished foundation before it has fully cured. This can lead to cracks, especially if the concrete hasn’t reached its full strength.
Cracks caused by backfilling often appear as large, horizontal cracks in the foundation. The premature pressure from the surrounding soil can cause foundation walls to bow or crack, leading to potential issues with the structural integrity of the home and water infiltration problems.
As a home settles over time, the foundation may experience uneven pressure, leading to cracks. This is particularly common in new homes, where the soil beneath the foundation has not fully compacted.
They’re commonly observed as vertical foundation cracks and may start small but can widen over time if not monitored and addressed. Not all foundation cracks, in this case, settlement cracks, cause structural problems. However, differential settling can occur when the underlying soil of the house settles at different rates.
Alongside these cracked foundation lines, you might find other signs of settling such as uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, and gaps around door frames.
Construction activities near your home, such as digging, piling, or heavy machinery operation, can cause vibrations that affect your foundation. These vibrations can lead to the formation of cracks, especially if the foundation is already compromised or if the construction activities cause significant soil movement. Continuous exposure to such vibrations may exacerbate existing cracks and lead to new ones.
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Poor drainage around your home can cause water to pool near the foundation, leading to increased hydrostatic pressure. This excess water pressure pushes against the foundation walls, causing them to crack. Additionally, consistent water exposure can erode the foundation material, further exacerbating the issue and leading to more significant structural damage over time. The types of foundation cracks caused by poor drainage should be addressed immediately, due to their size and severity.
Horizontal cracks caused by water loading often appear at the base of the foundation wall and may be accompanied by other signs of water damage. Look for evidence of water, like puddles or standing water around the home’s foundation and seek immediate repair.
Plumbing leaks near the foundation, particularly in the basement, can saturate the soil, causing it to expand and contract. This movement can lead to foundation cracks, especially if the leaks go undetected for an extended period.
Though this may not immediately cause a structural foundation crack, it can erode the soil supporting the foundation, leading to uneven settling and additional stress on the structure, which can result in further cracking.
Cracks in the foundation caused by plumbing leaks often appear near the location of the leak. Dampness, mould, and other signs of water damage may also be present.
The slope of the ground surrounding your home, or grading, plays a crucial role in directing water away from the foundation. If the grading is inadequate, water can accumulate around the foundation, saturating the soil and causing it to expand. This expansion exerts pressure on the foundation, leading to a crack in foundation.
This type of foundation crack often appears at the base of the foundation wall, where it meets the ground. Evidence of water damage, such as dampness, mould, or efflorescence (white powdery substance), may accompany the cracks.
If you find flooding in your basement, exterior waterproofing is an effective solution.
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Prevent foundation cracks at the first sign. Here are some common warning signs indicating potential foundation issues:
If you notice any of these signs, consult a professional foundation contractor for a thorough inspection and assessment.
Protecting your home’s foundation is crucial to maintaining its structural integrity and value. If you’ve noticed foundation cracks in your basement or are concerned about any of the causes we’ve discussed, don’t wait until the problem worsens.
It pays to consult the pros at Pro Waterproofers, Ontario’s trusted waterproofing experts, for reliable service and innovative waterproofing solutions. We also specialize in foundation crack repair using durable and environmentally friendly materials. If you have any questions about foundation crack causes and repairs, we can help!
Take advantage of our FREE in-home consultation. Schedule your consultation by calling us at 1-905-963-3333.
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