Understanding Basement Wall Crack Repair
A crack in the wall is not only unsightly, but it can be concerning. What does it mean for your home? For your foundation? However, cracks in the wall are common in basements. You will want to know exactly how the problem is affecting your home. If you’ve recently had a heavy impact along that wall, the crack could come from that. More often than not, though, it’s something else.
It’s Not Your Wall — It’s Your Foundation
Most of the time, an unexpected crack in the basement wall occurs not because of a problem with the wall itself, but rather because of a problem with the foundation. When the foundation settles or rises, it puts pressure on the wall that can cause cracks. This stress could continue to affect your windows and doors, as well as lead to cracks in floors or ceilings, or issues with sagging floors.
If there’s a chance that the basement wall crack is due to a foundation problem, make sure that you don’t just patch up the crack and leave it at that. If you fail to repair the foundation as well, issues with basement wall cracks will only worsen over time.
When a Crack Isn’t Just a Crack: DIY vs. Professional Assessment
Not every basement wall crack is an immediate cause for alarm, but it’s essential to know the difference between a minor cosmetic issue and a sign of structural trouble. Small vertical hairline cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) can sometimes be monitored and even sealed with a simple epoxy patch. However, even these should be kept under watch. If they widen, lengthen, or begin to let in water, they may signal a more serious issue.
Horizontal cracks, wider vertical cracks, or cracks forming in a stair-step pattern are almost always symptoms of foundation stress and should never be treated as DIY projects. Other red flags that demand professional evaluation include walls that appear to bow inward, cracks accompanied by water seepage, or sudden changes in the size or shape of the crack.
A good rule of thumb: if you’re unsure, it’s best to call in a foundation specialist. While a homeowner can conduct a quick visual check, only a trained inspection can confirm whether the crack is superficial or indicative of a deeper foundation issue.
Types of Basement Wall Cracks
There are two main types of basement wall cracks, each with distinct causes and varying degrees of severity.
Horizontal basement wall cracks are typically caused by external pressure. If the foundational soil has expanded and pushed against the house, horizontal cracks can appear. If you have a tree or a large shrub too close to the foundation of the home, it could be the roots of that plant pushing against the house as well. Often, if your roof gutters are faulty or are nonexistent, the result could lead to soil expansion and basement wall cracks. Hydroplastic pressure is another potential issue. Of the two, horizontal basement wall cracks are the most urgent and should be repaired as soon as possible. If you notice a horizontal crack in your basement wall, contact a professional to fix it immediately.
Vertical basement wall cracks are caused by the foundation settling, on the other hand, which typically happens when the soil is too dry and brittle. This is common in older houses that tend to settle over time. However, that does not mean that vertical cracks are no cause for concern or that a settling foundation is no cause for concern. If left alone, both the settling and the vertical crack can become exacerbated. It’s still a good idea to contact a professional as soon as you notice this problem.
Basement Wall Crack Repair
Basement walls are typically made of concrete, making it difficult to seal cracks. First, we’ll perform a full inspection of the crack and the basement to verify that the problem is a foundational one. Once that’s done, the crack can be sealed. At Childers Brothers, we use epoxy crack repair due to its heavy-duty adhesive. This adhesive is specifically designed for use with materials like concrete. In fact, it’s often shown to be even stronger than the concrete itself. When you repair basement wall cracks with epoxy crack repair, it not only seals the crack but also strengthens the walls to prevent future cracks from forming.
Foundation Repair
Of course, fixing the crack in the wall and leaving it at that is useless if the problem is your foundation. That’s why when we repair the basement wall crack, we also address the foundation issues. If your foundation has settled, helical pier installation can help raise and strengthen it, ensuring it remains stable. If your foundation is being undermined, soil stabilization may be the solution. It may be that the basement walls themselves need to be stabilized to protect your foundation. Whatever the cause may be, we’ll help find the best solution so your basement is fortified for years and decades to come.
FAQs
When it comes to foundation work, people always have questions. Luckily, we always have answers. Here are some frequently asked questions.
How Much Does Foundation Work Cost?
It all depends on the size of your home and the size of the work that needs to be completed. Generally, expect to pay north of $5,000 for foundation work.
Is It Worth It to Fix the Foundation of a House?
Always. Your house is arguably your most significant investment, so fixing foundation work can ensure your home remains sound and secure for decades to come. Please don’t ignore it!
Will Insurance Cover Foundation Issues?
They can. However, it’s important to note that foundation work covered by insurance only comes if the damage is due to what’s known as a “covered event.” Please refer to your insurance policy for more details.
We Can Help!
Do you have a crack in your basement wall that needs to be repaired? Don’t forget to examine the foundation to see if that’s where the problem truly lies. Whatever the situation, Childers Brothers, Inc. is qualified and willing to help. Contact us today for more information or to get started with a 27-point analysis of your foundation and any issues that could be causing your basement wall cracks.