Wall Crack Repair

Homeowners oftentimes experience cracks in their walls or floors and wonder why they’re there. Cracks in the walls of your home can be a clue to a settling problem.

When a home is built on uneven or unstable soil, the walls and floors may crack, creating a need for wall crack repair. Walls also may crack because of excess moisture around the foundation causing too much pressure.

Wall Cracks Are A Warning Sign

Identify the cause of foundation wall cracks and then have them repaired

Whatever the cause of wall cracks, it is important to know that wall cracks usually signify a need for foundation repair. These types of repairs, ranging from underpinning to helical pier installation, should be trusted to the professionals at Tar Heel Foundation Solutions.

Here are some symptoms that you may want to examine your home for:

• Outside
  • Look for cracks in your foundation or bricks that are broken or cracked.
  • Examine your windows for gaps or fascia boards that are pulling away.
  • Tilting chimneys also are a sign that you need wall crack repair.
• Inside
  • Inside your home, search for cracks in the ceiling, drywall, or floor.
  • You may find that your doors and windows are misaligned or that the trim and molding are beginning to separate.
  • Bowing walls are a sign of even more serious foundation problems.
• Garage
  • In your garage, look for cracks in the floors, walls, or beam supports between garage doors.
  • Doors and windows separating from the wall also are a key indicator.

Different Types of Wall Cracks

Curing Concrete

The least worrisome of wall cracks, cracks that occur when concrete cures are normal and usually cosmetic in nature. These are called “shrinkage cracks” and are usually no bigger than a hair in width. They are usually found near the center of the slab and don’t vary in width along the length of the crack.

Although these cracks are usually nothing to worry about, you shouldn’t ignore them. Monitor the crack to see if it is getting bigger, one end is wider than the other, or you can put a dime into the crack, you should call Tar Heel Foundation Solutions and schedule a free inspection.

Settling Foundation

The soil around your home or business can compress or shift, causing the foundation to settle unevenly. This settling can cause cracks to form. You may notice a vertical crack going up a wall. As the foundation moves, the cracks will usually widen either at the top or bottom of the gap.

These cracks need to be repaired as soon as possible. They will not get better or go away, in fact, they will only get worse as the building settles. Do not waste any time calling a professional to take a look at these kinds of cracks. Your home or business is in danger of serious structural damage or failure.

Expansive Soil

Most soil will expand and contract with the changes in moisture levels, but clay soil is the worst. If you have clay soil around your foundation, the pressure from the earth can cause foundations to bow, lean, or crack.

The pressure from expanding soil can reach thousands of pounds per square inch. If this is ignored, the wall will continue to be pushed out of place until it falls or collapses. At this point, the wall will need to be rebuilt and there may be serious structural issues that will also have to be repaired. A small problem is now a big, expensive problem. Let Tar Heel Foundation Solutions help your bowing or leaning wall before it falls into your basement.

Wall Crack Repair

If you notice any of these danger signals, call us today. We can help determine a solution for any foundation problems you may be experiencing.

No matter the cause of your wall cracks, Tar Heel Foundation Solutions has the tools and knowledge to keep your foundation strong, stable, and safe.

Foundation Piers

Foundation piers are a permanent solution for a building that is sinking or settling. The piers can be installed year-round and will stabilize and lift the foundation.

• Push Piers: These types of piers are metal rods driven through the soil until they reach a stable bedrock or strata.
• Helical Piers: Similiar to push piers, however, these piers are screwed into the soil. They are drilled into the soil until it reaches soil that is strong enough to support the structure.

Wall Anchors

Also known as plate anchors, wall anchors are used for straightening out and strengthening bowing or leaning walls. Sometimes this solution is permanent, but it can be used as a temporary solution until the contractor can straighten the walls completely over time.

The professionals at Tar Heel Foundation Solutions are educated in identifying foundation wall cracks and the best solutions to repair them. Call today for a free estimate.