Structural vs. Non-Structural Foundation Cracks

Structural and non structural cracks

The sad reality of life is that so much can wrong with the things that we love and cherish. This includes the home, which for so many of us is a life-long investment. Hire a so-called expert, and he can ramble on about 100 problems that could potentially happen to your home – but how do you protect against each and every one of them? You can’t, but you can try.

As easy as it would have been to cast a protective spell around the property and forever escape any problems caused by the weather or soil, as we all know this simply isn’t possible.

The fact is, cracks around the house are very common, even if they are an unwelcome sight. Fortunately, not every crack signals doom and gloom for the safety of your home. There are two types of cracks: structural and non-structural. Let’s learn the difference.

Structural Cracks

Let’s start by saying do not ignore this. Structural cracks are the more hostile of the two and the repairs could be expensive and complex. Any delay and it will just get more expensive and more complex. These represent a serious foundation problem and need a professional’s attention. You will probably notice a pattern once the cracks start to show up, often in a staircase formation. The cracks might not necessarily be a source of water seepage, but it could happen. These cracks are a result of soil expansion or sinking foundation.

Structural cracks should be addressed right away by the professionals at City Residential Foundation Repair. The safety of your home and family is too important to risk on DIY crack injection kits from home improvement stores or so-called experts who promise a cheap quick fix. Get it done right.

Non-Structural Cracks

Compared to the prior, non-structural cracks are less aggressive and are usually thin, hairline cracks. Repairs are not very elaborate and tend to last. These cracks usually originate from the windows and doors. When the soil outside is moist, the foundation will be stressed due to hydrostatic pressure and the foundation walls may develop tiny cracks. It gets worse once the water starts seeping in through the cracks. Non-structural cracks can be easily sealed, so who not act right away and take care of the problem?

Reading a few articles or researching on Google will unfortunately not make you an expert. We’re professionals for a reason, and we can spot the difference and determine the best solution right away. Give us a call and we’ll take care of the problem whether it’s a structural or non-structural crack that is troubling you.

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Reviews

A JOB WELL DONE BY 'CITY FOUNDATION'

I would have no hesitation in recommending City Foundation. They fixed up my foundation last summer and although the old house produced a few surprises, the professionals at City Foundation got around the problems cheerfully and completed the work. From the start, Chuck kept me informed of all of my options. If I asked for something not already in the plan, he would try to accommodate me if at all possible Chuck and his colleague Don were friendly, and respectful. They showed up every day, put in a solid day's work and always left the property clean, neat and safe for us to move around. And, the price was fair with no surprises. Great guys, good job!

- Jennifer A 5/30/2015

Excellent service, friendly

We had Chuck and his team repair a crack in our cold storage room - they were punctual, neat, and friendly. The job was completed very quickly with great results. Would definitely hire them again and recommend them to friends.

- Janet M. 5/26/2015

Good job!

Chuck did a very good job. He promised to be finished by a certain date and he was good to his word. He kept me informed of his progress through pictures sent to my email account while I was at work. My backyard is nicely landscaped and there was no damage or debris left in my yard - just a new window well and no basement leaks.

- Kathryn T. 4/14/2015

Can't say enough about the workmanship of Chuck and his crew. They assessed the problem(leak in the foundation) quoted me a price, booked appointment, showed up on time and did a very professional job.The work site was cleaned up to the point it was hard to tell there had been any serious digging at the site. If I have similar problems with my foundation they will be the first people I will call!! I would not hesitate to recommend Chuck and his crew if you have foundation problems that need repair. Duncan Hardie

- Duncan H. 4/12/2015

Professsional and Polite

My experience with City Residential was very positive. I had a crack on my foundation and knew we needed it fixed. They came in and addressed the situation and did the work cleanly and professionaly. Our property was kept nice and tidy during the repairs and they worked safely during the work. Its been a few years now since the work and no issues whatsoever. I will be using them again once we decided to fix a few areas around the garage that they pointed out would need fixing someday. Very happy and positive experience.

- Chris L. 4/6/2015

Foundation Crack (back) and Drainage (front)

The foundation crack at the back was difficult to get to and difficult to dig out. The work was done well and on time. the drainage trench at the front was also done very well and on time. I hope I don't need Chuck again but if I have foundation, drainage issues, he will be my 1st call. bc

- Barry C. 3/30/2015

This is a highly professional company with reliable, honest service. Chuck, the owner, came exactly when promised, took the time to listen to my concerns, explained the problem in an easy to understand language, described in great detail how it could be fixed, and what was - and what was not - necessary. Chuck and his team's attitude and service were at all times very honest, courteous and highly professional. Although I needed to be out of town, there were no surprises or additional costs, and everything was left tidy and clean. Chuck even followed up a couple of days later to check if everything was all right and done to my satisfaction. All in all, I was very impressed with the quality of work and the services received and would highly recommend the company.

- Beate A. 3/30/2015

City Residential Foundation Repair

Chuck Naish and his team from City Residential Foundation Repair were excellent to deal with in every aspect. Their level of integrity throughout the entire process was outstanding. They were honest, respectful and their ability to explain the process and the solution options were extremely helpful to us. The scope of the project was big, however Chuck walked us through every step of the way; assessment, testing, options and repairs which resulted in a very successful outcome. In addition, Chuck and his team were able to complete the necessary repairs with minimal impact to our newly completed landscaping which included a lot of hard scape, tiered armour stone, gardens and a pool. They kept the work site impeccable over the duration of the project. We have and will continue to highly recommend Chuck Naish for his very professional and skilled foundation repair work.

- Annette and Rick B. 3/8/2015

My experience with City Residential was great. Chuck was very friendly and very easy to deal with. I especially appreciated that he was able to come by and do the estimate in the evening when I was off work. They did the work exactly as they said they would, no surprises (which in my mind is the most you can ask for). I was really surprised by how clean they left everything in the evenings and when the job was complete. They will definitley be the first people I call if I ever need more foundation work.

- Charlie A 3/2/2015

Weeping Tile system replaced

We are very please with the work that was done. It was always a pleasure to speak with the owner and explain to him what was going on. Although we found the job to be pricey, it is impossible for us to determine if it was adequate or not at it's hard to compare to others. He ran into several problems at my house while doing the job and he took it upon himself to call the City at two different occasion so they could do some testing before he could go on. Safety was very important for them so they took all the necessary precaution so that no one could get hurt or fall into the hole that were done all around the house.

- Gisele P. 1/29/2015
10 Reviews
90% Would Recommend