How to Tell When Foundation Cracks Are Serious

Cracks in the foundation of a building are not uncommon. If you look hard enough, you’ll probably find at least a few hairline cracks in any foundation you’re inspecting. However, that doesn’t mean all foundation cracks should be ignored—quite the opposite, in fact. Knowing which foundation cracks need to be repaired and which can be left alone without consequence is extremely important; the former can spare you costly structural damages while the latter can afford you much-needed peace of mind. That said, how do you know when a foundation crack is serious and requires professional attention?

The first thing you should consider is the thickness of the cracks. If they’re hairline cracks, that’s a good sign because even if they’re “serious cracks” it means you’ve noticed them early and can address them before they worsen. However, if you’ve noticed cracks that are more than ¼ inch wide, it might be wise to call a professional foundation repair company.

Another good indicator of the severity of a foundation crack is its orientation. In other words, is the crack running horizontally, vertically, or diagonally? Oftentimes, vertical and diagonal cracks—especially if they’re hairline cracks—are simply indicators of foundation settling or shrinkage and are totally normal. While these cracks probably won’t worsen over time, patching them with cement is a good idea because it will prevent water from getting inside them and will give your foundation a neater appearance.

If your foundation cracks are horizontal, you might want to contact a professional as these are often the result of uneven foundation settling or possibly even sinkhole formation. Moreover, if the cracks you’ve noticed seem to be actively getting worse—if they were hairline cracks last week, but now they’re much bigger—it’s probably best to contact a professional, even if the cracks are vertical or diagonal.

The Foundation Repair Experts Serving the Atlanta Area & Beyond

For all your foundation repair needs, you can turn with confidence to Engineered Solutions of Georgia. Based in the Atlanta area, we’ve proudly served clients across the southeastern United States for more than a decade, offering a wide range of foundation repair services. To learn more about whether or not your foundation cracks are serious, contact us today.