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Warning Signs of Foundation Trouble

Cracking Walls

Cracking Walls: What you need to know

Cracks can be your first clue that there are some serious foundation concerns with your structure. Cracks often appear due to your foundation settling or shifting. Typically the cause is improper construction, unstable soil or the foundation not designed for the weight of your structure. Left unchecked, tiny cracks can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Many people end up needing repairs to walls, floors, AND the foundation. If you notice cracks in your home, make Arta Foundation Repairs your first call. A consultation will diagnose the source of your cracks and the professionals at Arta will help design a plan to prevent further damage and repair existing cracks.

What to look for

Cracks in bricks
Cracks in the siding at the corners of your home or around doors & windows
Cracks in the flooring inside your home (cement or tile)
Cracks in drywall or sheetrock
Separation of the walls from the ceiling
Separation of the baseboards from floor or wall

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Why is my Settling Foundation Causing Cracks?

Soil quality can vary greatly, which can make installing a foundation difficult. Because of the differences in soil quality, foundation settlement is never the same across homes or businesses. Uneven foundation settling can is the leading cause of foundation or concrete slab cracking and shifting.

When a foundation or slab experiences uneven settlement and cracking, the wood frame that supports the structures above tend to bend and skew. This leads to window and door frames that warp and are difficult to open or close. It also caused dipping in floors.

Another side effect of foundation settling is drywall damage. Drywall is attached to wooden studs inside of the wall, and is not flexible enough to withstand the shifting of the wood. Thus, cracking begins. You will notice cracks appear most readily around the corners of your home, windows, or doors. If your home has a brick exterior, foundation settling will cause your brick or stone to crack as well.

Types of Foundation Wall Cracks

Stair Step Cracks

Stair step cracks are common in concrete walls that use the concrete block system. Cracking appears at the mortar joints between the blocks, climbing in a stair-like pattern.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks are typically seen due to heavy soil pressure that is pushing in from outside walls. This pressure makes the walls bend and break. Horizontal cracks are considered top priority, and should receive immediate attention.

Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks are caused by soil settling. Settling soil puts additional pressure on the foundation walls, which then leads to cracking. These cracks tend to emit water into your structure, and thus need immediate attention.

Interior Cracks

Interior cracks are visible in the main living areas of your structure. They commonly occur on drywall, plaster, and stucco walls.

Interested in our foundation stabilization services? We’re here to help!

Don't wait until it's too late! Call us today: 603-306-9029

We are here for all of your residential or commercial foundation stabilization needs. Arta Foundation Repairs can help you catch foundation problems quickly, and remedy the problem for you.

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