How to Tell If , Foundation Cracks , Are Minor or Major Problems.
Lifehacker recently offered readers some tips for
identifying if cracks in a foundation are harmless
or something that impacts structural integrity.
Here are some of the
warning signs that experts
recommended looking out for.
Non-threatening cracks are generally small,
not larger than an eighth of an inch,
and don't allow moisture through.
Another sign of a harmless crack
is that it doesn't grow up
or down or to either side.
Many harmless cracks can be caused
by flaws in the curing process
and don't require maintenance. .
Cracks to be concerned about can appear damp,
will be wider than an eighth of an inch or show
some type of movement or change in size.
Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one
corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks
that appear below the soil line should be addressed.
Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one
corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks
that appear below the soil line should be addressed.
Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors
or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope
of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.
Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors
or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope
of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.
If in doubt, it's always best
to have a professional inspect
any cracks you find in your foundation.
Paying for an inspection is much cheaper
than the potential repairs associated with
letting a leaky foundation go unaddressed