Most cracks start as minor issues but worsen quickly, affecting your building’s appearance, integrity, and stability.
That said, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately if you notice any following cracks. An expert will examine the gaps skillfully and repair them before they extend to other areas.
Foundation Cracks
Concrete slabs can last for years with proper maintenance. However, they are still prone to damage and can develop cracks over time. In most cases, concrete slabs crack because of not following the proper procedure when laying them.
For example, if you don’t allow your concrete to dry, it might start cracking only a few weeks or months after installation.
Another issue that might cause your concrete to crack is installing the paving slab without checking the soil condition and strengthening it to support the weight.
Harsh weather is also another major cause of foundational cracks, and it causes a problem when water settles underneath the slabs.
You should treat any sign of this crack with the seriousness it deserves, especially if it is larger by a hairline.
The best way to handle foundation crack issues is by hiring a professional concrete company like 58 Foundations to repair the gaps.
A reputable repair person has the skills and expertise to diagnose the problem’s genesis and undertake the necessary repairs to prevent the condition from worsening.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are hazardous because they can worsen quickly, extending to other foundation parts.
That might increase repair works and costs significantly. The cracks mainly occur due to unbalanced soil or water pressure problems.
The foundation might start bowing inwards when your building has this problem, or water might start leaking into your basement.
When something similar happens, call in a professional to examine the problem. An experienced concrete expert can repair the problem using the best strategy to eliminate the issue permanently.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are not as dangerous as most other gaps, but they need immediate repairs when they emerge.
You will mostly notice them on the wall, and you can repair them without the assistance of a professional. You need the right tools and filling material to seal all the gaps.
However, it is still advisable to have the problem inspected by an expert to determine its severity. Only an expert can know the threat the cracks pause and the best solution to get rid of the problem for good.
Stair Step Cracks
If you inspect the motor joints regularly, you might notice cracks as they emerge. When you do, get professional help immediately because the gaps might continue widening, affecting the integrity of your basement foundation.
The problem mainly occurs because of moisture or foundational settlement problems, requiring immediate professional intervention.
Therefore, when you notice this type of crack, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Instead, hire a reputable repair person for inspection.
Property maintenance starts by knowing the problems to look out for and repair them. Therefore, hire an experienced concrete contractor to examine the problem and undertake the necessary repairs when you notice any problems above.