After a foundation is constructed, it’s natural for hairline cracks to form in the concrete or brick as it settles and goes through a few freeze-thaw cycles. If you can wedge a dime into a crevice, it’s a good idea to call a foundation crack repair specialist for further investigation. Below is a brief guide to determining why different cracks form in basement floors and along interior and exterior walls.

What Types of Foundation Cracks Should be on Your Radar?

Fractures that Extend From a Wall’s Top to the Bottom

When examining the basement for damage, look for vertical cracks that run the length of one or more walls. In the case of a lone crack, it might have formed after concrete installation, as the material shrinks as walls dry. A foundation crack repair technician can inject a urethane- or epoxy-based sealant in the fracture to close the opening. When breaks surface along adjacent walls, issues with footings could be to blame. 

Cracks Along the Width of Walls

If you live in an area prone to extreme weather, you might notice horizontal cracks where rain water and snow accumulate against the building. When the foundation freezes and thaws, materials expand and contract, causing cracks to form. If mounds of snow rest against the building, excessive water will press against the foundation when it melts, leading to cracks, basement flooding, and wall bowing. The foundation will need to be secured in place to remedy the problem.

Horizontal & Vertical Cracks in Cinder Block & Brick

If you have foundation walls made of brick or cinder block, horizontal and vertical cracks resembling steps could start to form in the mortar binding each piece together. Water can seep through the crevices and cause them to become larger, so reach out to a foundation crack repair specialist immediately.   

If you need foundation crack repair to address one of the above issues, the crew at Hillside Landscaping & Excavation, serving residents on Alaska’s Cook Inlet, is available to help. The technicians are equipped to diagnose common reasons for foundation problems, as well as specific issues that arise in the northern climate. To learn more about foundation crack and basement water damage repairs available in Anchorage and nearby communities, call (907) 522-4457. Visit the foundation experts online to see project photos.