A cracked foundation isn't fun for anyone. Foundation crack repair can cost quite a bit of money. The best solution to a foundation crack is to know what causes it in the first place, and what you can to do prevent it from ever becoming an issue.
Before you can prevent damage to your foundation, it is necessary to know what causes it in the first place. Aside from the unavoidable natural disasters like flooding and earthquakes, which cause devastation to your foundation. There are several other possible causes for cracking. Being educated on these causes can save you a bundle in the long run. Some major reasons for cracking are:
* Settling of the foundation - This occurs when the ground built on is not firm enough or the house is not given enough time to settle in after pouring.
* Concrete shrinkage due to drying- Concrete will often shrink after having dried completely, resulting in minor cracks
* Inconsistent soil moisture- If the soil moisture fluctuates seasonally and the dirt becomes overly dry or overly moist the foundation cracks due to alternating pressure
* Building on loose soil or tiny fault lines- If you live near a major fault line the chances are that your home will develop cracks that will worsen over time. This is because of the constant motion of the fault line shifting all the earth near or around it.
* Lumber shrinkage- If lumber is exposed to excessive moisture during the building process which after drying completely shrinks smaller than what it started as
* Plant growth-plants and trees especially can cause damage with their roots.
Even though cracking seems to be inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and even prevent cracking from happening in the first place. When considering building or buying a new home make sure you consult with a certified soil engineer to confirm that the ground is firm and able to withstand the pressure of a home.
When building a home, allow enough time for the foundation to settle completely into place. For most homes the house needs about 2 months to settle in. Avoid building during the rainy seasons to minimize lumber shrinkage that will occur if the wood becomes damp. Make sure to clear out plants with excessive root growth. Trees should be planted far enough away that the roots will never reach foundation of your home. Keep your soil moisture consistent around the house. This can be achieved through specialty pipes placed in the soil around your home.
Despite even your best efforts there may come a time when you begin to see cracks beginning to occur in your home. Don't worry, the steps taken for prevention will minimize the damage and lower the overall cost of foundation crack repair.
Author Resource:-
Ar Aquadry Waterproffing, LLC (http://www.aquadryfoundationwaterproofing.com/), you get yourself the best foundation crack repair and waterproofing contractor in the business!
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