Yes. Anytime you notice cracks in your foundation, you shouldn’t ignore them. If you do, this could lead to more severe damage in the future. Moisture can seep into those cracks and weaken your foundation, cause mould or unpleasant odours to occur.
Cracks can be quite common, especially with concrete. There are a number of factors that could be the cause of cracks. Some of these include weight or pressure from the ground, freezing or thawing of the ground, or even the shrinkage and expansion of the cement.
Sometimes, water from the outside soil surrounding the foundation, particularly in basements, can seep into the walls cause cracks to leak. This can exacerbate with excess rain or thawing of snow.
Since cracks can grow over time due to various conditions, such as weather or shifting soil, it is recommended that you have any crack dealt with and assessed by a professional to avoid any potential damage to your foundation over time. It’s also a good keep an eye on them by measuring them every so often to make sure they aren’t expanding.
Cracks that are often commonplace with cement tend to always be vertical. But when you start to notice a crack that is horizontal, you could have a bigger issue. If you notice horizontal cracks that are 1/2” or greater, and seem to appear wider at the top than the bottom, this is a sign of potential structural damage that needs repair.
Waterproofing your foundation entails properly fixing any areas that may be weakened. The most effective way to waterproof a foundation is with exterior solutions like installing a draining system or wrapping the foundation with a waterproof membrane. A combination of these steps can help prevent damage from flooding and ensure the structural integrity of your home has a line of defense against the elements.
If you are starting to notice large, horizontal cracks, or ones that are leaking, your best option is to hire someone to assess and deal with the repair. If you attempt to do it on your own, you could be simply masking over a deeper issue, which can cause more potential damage over time.
Get in touch with City Residential Foundation Repair to request an appointment or learn more about our residential foundation waterproofing services.
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