It is necessary to pay attention to potential problems to keep your home in good shape and, if the case, do the required repairs. Most homeowners overlook the need for hiring foundation inspection services, as most people see their house foundation as a solid structure that won’t need much maintenance. It could be true if the ground under foundations didn’t change. If you live in an area with constant weather changes or your house is built in clay-rich soil, you can experience a foundation shift at some point. Homeowners must know how to identify the signs of foundation issues to find a foundation expert to repair the problem before the damage is worse. If you notice signs of foundation damage, the best move is to call Foundations Ottawa for an inspection and foundation repair.
Identifying foundation cracks
If there is a problem with your foundation, it will begin to crack before breaking completely. If you notice the early signs, you will be able to save your house by repairing it before it causes severe damage. To ensure you catch the early signs of foundation problems, you must know how to identify the cracks’ types and what they indicate. Pay attention to the base of your house and the basement. Foundation problems typically start with cracks on the basement walls. To help you, we will list three types of foundation cracks you should pay attention to.
Vertical
The most common type of foundation crack is vertical cracks. This can be a single crack that is slowly spreading or a chain of vertical cracks that crumbles apart. Their cause depends on how the ground shifts under the house, and it can be complicated to discover. Typically, it happens when a part of the house is pushed away from the rest, resulting in a crack. If you find a diagonal crack that looks mostly vertical, you can count it as a vertical crack.
Horizontal
Different types of ground shifting can cause horizontal cracks. For example, if there are several layers of soil beneath the house, and one of them expands or moves more than the others, it can cause a horizontal foundation crack. If you notice various horizontal cracks in a stack, it means the soil has pushed in after spreading. If there is only one crack, a shearing force might be dragging the lower part of the foundation, separating it from the upper part. If you do not have a basement and your foundation is under your yard’s soil line, it might be hard to notice this type of crack.
Stair horizontal cracks
If your house has a brick-lined foundation, or if you find a diagonal crack at a 45-degree angle, you may find a crack on your foundation or wall that looks like stair-steps. This happens when foundation problems cause bricks to be pulled apart. Since your home is built on a sagging foundation, you will also notice your house’s brick facade cracking.
Finding a Contractor for Foundation Repair
If you identify any of these foundation cracks or any other signs of foundation problems, contact Foundations Ottawa. Cracks may seem a small problem, but they can turn into real disasters. So please don’t risk it. We offer several services, from inspection to foundation repair. Talk to one of our contractors today!
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