![]() Both approaches should be handled by a pro who specializes in basement waterproofing. For block walls, he goes outside, excavates the existing soil, adds crushed stone to improve drainage, and slopes the grade away from the foundation for at least 10 feet. Graham recommends sealing stable but leaky cracks in poured foundations with epoxy (shown above), then injecting a polyurethane foam along the crack’s entire length. Any of these cracks could signal the need for major structural repairs call in a structural engineer to determine their cause and prescribe a professional fix. They’re often accompanied by diagonal cracks in poured foundations, or stair-step cracks in block foundations.ĭiagonal or stair-step cracks without horizontal fissures may mean that the top of the foundation is bowing inward because it’s not properly connected to the house framing, or that the footings are settling unevenly. If the crack is thinner than the penny, you have a. Horizontal cracks indicate that the soil is exerting enough pressure on the wall to make it bulge inward. While holding the penny between your finger and thumb, press the edge against the crack, he says. Cracks 1⁄8 inch wide or wider deserve a closer look. Unless they grow wider or leak water, these can usually be left alone. On a poured foundation, a web of hairline cracks or widely spaced vertical cracks less than 1⁄8 inch wide generally mean the concrete shrank a bit too much as it cured. The cracks give a stair step appearance because of the nature of. ![]() They are therefore the first points along which the foundation will show signs of failure. This is because the points at which the blocks are bonded using mortar are usually the weakest points in the foundation. They’re typically easier to identify than other cracks because of their resemblance to a side view. Contact a foundation repair professional and ask for an inspection. These cracks usually occur on masonry foundation walls. Stair-step cracks are common along mortar lines in concrete-block or brick-based foundations. Poor drainage or excess water can concentrate water in one location, damaging the foundation walls. The crack also could be caused by soil movement resulting from the ground’s freezing and thawing cycle. If you see stair-step cracks, don’t delay. Finding a stair step or diagonal crack zig-zagging up your concrete block wall is an indication of soil pressure or settlement. Structural engineer Jim Graham follows these guidelines when assessing which ones need attention and which don’t. Stair step cracks occur in brick or concrete block walls and are a sure sign of differential settlement, which can cause serious foundation damage.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |