How to Fix Foundation Cracks
So you’ve noticed some cracks in the foundation of your building and you’re wondering what the best way to go about fixing them is. Well, that depends on a number of factors such as what type of building or structure it is, how old the foundation is, and how serious the cracks are. Additional considerations you’ll need to keep in mind are: how wide the foundation cracks are, how many there are, and which direction they’re going.
When to Call In the Pros
If the building in question is large—such as a warehouse, strip mall, or commercial office building—it’s probably best to contact a professional foundation repair company to inspect the cracks and perform the appropriate foundation repair. After all, when the well-being of employees and patrons is involved, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Likewise, if the foundation cracks that you’ve noticed are more than ¼ inch wide, or if they are horizontal, you should contact a professional foundation repair company. Similarly, if you have never thus far noticed any cracks in your foundation, but all of a sudden there are many cracks, you should contact a professional as this can be an indication of serious structural damage resulting from a sudden shift in the underlying soil or structural supports of the building.
When to Tackle the Project Yourself
If you’ve noticed vertical or diagonal hairline cracks in the foundation of your home—especially if your home has been built in the last 10 years—you can take a deep breath, as this is totally normal and probably something that you can fix by yourself if you’re the handy type. These types of foundation cracks are called shrinkage cracks. As concrete foundations settle, they tend to develop small vertical or diagonal cracks. And while they don’t usually affect the structural integrity of the foundation, these little cracks can serve as entry points for water, so if you do find them, it’s extremely important to seal them up as soon as possible. Most hardware or home improvement stores sell DIY foundation repair kits that contain urethane grout or an epoxy injection that you can simply pump into the cracks to seal them.
ESOG – Your Foundation Repair Experts
If you require assistance to repair the foundation cracks you’ve discovered, you can turn with confidence to the team at Engineered Solutions of Georgia. We are based in the Atlanta area and proudly serve the entire southeastern United States, offering a wide range of foundation repair services. Contact us today to learn more.
