Should I be worried about a cracked foundation?

Should I be worried about a cracked foundation?

Diagonal Foundation Cracks in Poured Walls If you see foundation wall cracks of this type, it is probably time to call for an inspection, as this could indicate a serious structural problem with your home’s foundation and is often associated with a foundation sinking or settlement problem.

Are cracks in a foundation normal?

Most foundation cracks are common in new and old homes. In fact, you might start seeing cracks in a newly constructed home’s foundation in as little as a year. The good news is the small cracks can be successfully patched.

Do all foundation cracks need to be repaired?

You might get jittery and start asking yourself whether they are harmless or severe. Here’s the thing. Not all foundation cracks are necessarily bad. In fact, most cracks are pretty normal and the good news is, they can be fixed.

When should I worry about cracks in basement?

“Major” cracks are anything more than ¾ wide with a leaning foundation. Finding these cracks would be cause for concern and could signal a much more costly, structural problem. When cracks become this severe, the best course of action is to consult a professional foundation specialist or a structural engineer.

What size foundation cracks are bad?

Size matters when evaluating concrete cracks. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) standard for cracks in interior slabs requires repairing cracks that exceed three-sixteenths inches wide or high (vertical displacement).

How do I know if my foundation crack is structural?

As the name suggests, structural cracks occur because of poor construction sites, overloading or poor soil bearing….Telltale signs of structural cracks in your foundation are:

1. Stair-step cracks.
2. Cracks on foundation slabs or beams.
3. Vertical cracks that are wide at the bottom or top.
4. Cracks measuring 1/8″ in width.