crack repair Archives | FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL

Foundation Crack Repair

Foundation cracks are one of the most common problems homeowners face when it comes to foundation issues. Not all foundation cracks are a sign of serious issues, but all but the smallest probably should be repaired in order to prevent the cracks from causing other issues.

Foundations on the Level specializes in foundation crack repair and foundation slab leveling. If you are a homeowner and are experiencing cracks in your foundation, give us a call to schedule a free inspection.

foundation cracks and foundation crack repair

Why do Foundation Cracks Form?

Foundation cracks can happen for a variety of reasons, the majority of them stemming from natural causes.

In some cases, hairline cracks will occur as the concrete shrinks while drying. In other cases the normal small amount of settlement for a new home will spur small vertical or diagonal cracks.

Other causes of cracking, however, are more structurally concerning.

Our California climate is great for enjoying the outdoors, but it’s tough on foundations. Dry soil conditions mean that the soil surrounding the foundation often cracks and crumbles.

In the event that we do experience rain, the soil quickly soaks up the water and expands. Cracks in the soil can allow for water to flow near the home’s foundation, which causes the soil to move. When the soil surrounding your home is displaced, the structural support is taken away. This causes the foundation to sink, settle, and eventually crack.

Foundation Cracks Can Be Repaired

Although cracks in your foundation are a concern, unless the foundation is literally crumbling, most foundation cracks can be repaired. The majority of cracks aren’t structural, but they can lead to structural problems if they aren’t repaired properly, and in a timely manner.

In order to repair foundation cracks, we will need to inspect and assess your home’s foundation, as well as the soil conditions surrounding your home. Upon inspection, we will be able to diagnose your foundation problems, and come up with a solution!

Different Foundation Cracks Call for Different Repair Methods

For some foundation cracks, professionally filling the crack will be enough. In these cases, the cracks aren’t structural and the concerns are mostly the damage that could be caused by the crack itself. Filling these cracks correctly will prevent water and pests from infiltrating through your foundation walls.

Structural cracks are a different issue.

Simply repairing and filling a structural foundation crack is not a long-term repair solution because this option doesn’t solve or address the underlying cause, whether it is lack of support for the foundation or hydrostatic pressure pushing in on the walls. If anything, you may even notice more cracks or worsening conditions in a few years.

Once we have determined that a crack is structural and what is causing it, we can begin to put together a solution to repair your foundation. There are many different types of foundation repair methods out there, and the best approach is going to be determined by the initial problem you are having. In order to effectively repair structural foundation cracks, and prevent them from happening in the future, we have to address the underlying problems.

Contact Foundations on the Level for Foundation Crack Repair in Southern California

We understand that no two foundations are alike. That’s why we offer a personalized approach to foundation repair throughout our San Diego and Orange County service area. Whether you are experiencing a small foundation crack, or are struggling with something more serious, we’re confident that we can work with you to come up with a customized solution to fit your needs and budget. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection!

Landslides and Foundation Problems

California has been no stranger to weird weather and other natural occurrences this last year. After wildfires have removed most of the plant life protecting the earth from erosion, record-breaking rainfalls have been taking place. Landslides and other disasters have occurred throughout the state.

This mixture of events can cause a lot of problems for roads and structures around the area. The slides can consist of rockfalls, mudflows, slope failures, and more and can happen anywhere there is a slope gradient, it doesn’t have to be steep, just enough for gravity and momentum to do their thing.

Extreme Damage Caused by Slides

Slides can be tremendous forces of nature, destroying roads, moving vehicles, and leveling buildings. The slide can also pick up trees, objects, and debris, causing damage and blocking waterways which can result in flooding. Mudflows in Southern California in 2018 caused an estimated $177 million in property damage, $7 million in emergency responses, and $43 million in clean up costs, in addition to causing 21 reported deaths and over 150 people being hospitalized.

Landslides and Your Home

Your home may be strong and the foundation stable, but if a landslide were to occur, your house may be in danger. FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL can help protect your home and repair any damage that may occur from a landslide or mudflow.

Foundation Repair

Any type of movement of the earth around your home can damage the foundation. A settling or sunken foundation can lead to structural damage throughout the house. The landslide can remove support from one side of your home or exert great pressure on another side.

You may notice cracks, bowing walls, and other signs of foundation problems after a slide. Don’t waste any time having it inspected. The stability of your entire home depends on having a strong foundation. Make sure that a reliable foundation contractor examines your property and you follow through with any suggestions that they may make.

Slab Leveling

Not every landslide causes foundation problems, sometimes it may just disturb your concrete slabs. Your driveway, sidewalk, or patio can be pushed out of place or sink.

An uneven slab is not only ugly, but it can be a tripping hazard or not allow water to drain correctly. Water may flow towards your home or cause the soil under the slab to erode, leading to more problems.

FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL can make sure that your slab is level and safe through the application of polyurethane foam. The foam will expand, raising the slab to the desired level and sealing the bottom from any water infiltration. Protect your home and guests from an uneven slab.

Crack Repair

If the earth around your home moves, you may notice cracks in floors, walls, and ceilings. There are two kinds of cracks: structural and settlement cracks. You can look for cracks and monitor if they are growing. If you are at all concerned about a crack, you must contact a reputable foundation contractor like FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL.

One of the problems with cracks is that, if you aren’t knowledgeable about their cause or what they can do, you have no idea if it is something cosmetic or a sign of future foundation collapse. However, even if a crack isn’t a structural issue, it can allow water and pests to enter your home. You must have the cracks taken care of.

Retaining Wall Repair

Your retaining wall has one job: to keep the earth on the other side of the wall in place. If a landslide occurs, it can cause the retaining wall to lean or bow, or in a worst-case scenario, to even fail.

FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL can keep your retaining wall strong and stable. Through the use of helical tiebacks, a leaning retaining wall can be pulled back and be stronger than ever.

A retaining wall protects your property, so make sure that you take care of it!

Foundations on the Level and Slides

There is only so much you can do to try and tame Mother Nature, sometimes she will just do what she wants. Let FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL help you keep your property safe before or after a landslide.

Crack Repair in Orange County

Cracks can be ugly, yet harmless, but they can also be small and a sign of a major problem. Homes and businesses in Orange County can have cracks, regardless of whether it’s an older structure or new construction. There are a lot of variables that can cause cracks throughout your building.

You should take notice of any new or growing cracks you may find. FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL has the skills and tools to take care of any cracks in your home or office.

Causes of Foundation Cracks

Most foundation cracks are the result of structural issues like severe settlement and shifting. Soil can be impacted by moisture levels. Too much water and the soil can heave and swell, too little water and the soil can shrink. This can put tremendous pressure on your foundation walls and slabs. If the moisture levels change drastically, the effect can be like bending a piece of metal back and forth. Eventually, it will crack and break.

Repair Solutions in Orange County

Foundation Crack Repair

Our primary solution for foundation cracks is to install ECP (Earth Contact Products) steel piers to lift and stabilize foundations. These piers are installed under foundations, driven into the ground until they reach stable soils that can withstand the weight of the structure. They can then be utilized to raise and support the foundation for crack repair to prevent further issues from arising.

Slab Crack Repair

If the crack is in a slab, we can help with that, too. If you see cracks in any concrete slabs–your patio, pool deck, porch, or driveway–on your Orange County property, we can fix these with our slab leveling service. For this repair option, we utilize Accella Polyurethane Systems to inject polyurethane foam under sinking, cracked slabs. This foam expands under the concrete to raise and stabilize the slab and to close cracks in the slab.

Cracks You Might See in Your Orange County Home

If you live in Orange County, there are several different kinds of cracks that you should watch out for in your home. The warm dry weather throughout the year in Southern California can dry out the soil under your foundation, causing voids to form underground. If these voids form under your foundation or slab, they will not give the concrete enough support, leading to uneven settlement and shifting. These issues can cause major structural failure and should not be ignored.

Cracks can occur both externally and internally and could be signs of much more serious issues. Examine your home for the following kinds of cracks and contact FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL to find the best repair solution.

Foundation Cracks

If you see cracks in your foundation, it could mean that your foundation has started to settle or that it has become structurally unsound. Horizontal cracks visible on the exterior foundation are typically more serious than vertical or diagonal cracks, although you should have all large cracks, over 1/32″ in width, examined by a professional, especially if additional problems (uneven floors, sticking doors, leaks) accompany the cracks.

Slab Cracks

Aside from your foundation, you might see cracks in other concrete slabs, such as your driveway, patio, pool deck, porch, stair stoop, or garage floor. Larger cracks, usually accompanied by heaving or sinking slabs, might indicate slab sinking due to erosion or soil shrinkage. Contact an expert at FOUNDATIONS ON THE LEVEL to get these cracks fixed as soon as possible to reduce tripping hazards and keep your family safe.

Wall Cracks

Cracks in your interior walls might be a sign of foundation failure. If you only see hairline cracks or if they are in the same direction that the drywall was hung, they are probably not a major issue. However, horizontal cracks, wide cracks, vertical cracks or diagonal cracks that span from the wall to the floor or ceiling may indicate foundation settlement or shifting. You should have these cracks looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

Floor Cracks

If you’ve noticed cracks in your concrete floor, you might be dealing with foundation problems. Floor cracks that are wide and are allowing water to enter are usually signs of foundation settlement or shifting. Also, look for cracks in areas of the floor that appear to be heaving or sinking. This is a sign that the foundation is no longer structurally sound and needs to be looked at right away.

Ceiling Cracks

Examine the shape and size of your ceiling cracks to determine if you have a foundation problem. Small, spider web-shaped cracks 1/16th of an inch or smaller are probably just signs of normal home aging. However, vertical cracks that run from the ceiling to the walls and cracks accompanied by bowing or sagging ceilings might indicate foundation damage.

If you see any of these issues in your Orange County home, contact us right away for professional crack repair.