Your home’s foundation may be the cornerstone of its stability, but the appearance of cracks can be a major cause of concern for homeowners. In this blog, we explain that foundation cracks can be addressed, different types of foundation cracks, and two of our main services that address these issues.
Can Foundation Cracks In Home Foundations Be Repaired?
Have you noticed cracks in your home’s foundation? Don’t worry; foundation cracks are repairable! At OFS, our highly experienced and trained professionals specialize in evaluating and addressing foundation-related issues. From small hairline cracks to more significant concerns, we’ve got the solutions. We provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that their homes are structurally sound and stable.
Don’t let foundation cracks compromise your home’s foundation. Contact OFS for a free evaluation and evaluation report (if applicable).
Types Of Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can be a scary sight for any homeowner. However, not all cracks should cause an alarm. Foundation cracks can be of various types depending on their cause, and knowing what type of crack you’re dealing with is essential to its repair–
Hairline Foundation Cracks
Ever spotted tiny cracks in your foundation? If less than 1/16th of an inch wide, these cracks are commonly referred to as hairline cracks. These cracks may be insignificant or could be an early sign of foundation-related issues. In the latter case, if left unaddressed, these cracks could worsen over time and lead to more significant problems.
Vertical Foundation Cracks
Running straight up and down and often in the middle section of walls, vertical cracks can be the result of settling or shifting. OFS specializes in evaluating and addressing these types of cracks in order to prevent the issue from getting worse over time.
Diagonal Foundation Cracks
Diagonal cracks often angle across walls and/or concrete slabs. While not all diagonal cracks warrant repair, they can be an indication of a foundation-related issue.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks
Horizontal cracks, especially those widening over time, might signal serious foundation problems. These cracks run horizontally, and they are often visible on basement walls or on exterior walls of homes. Any horizontal crack, whether small or big, should be evaluated by a foundation repair professional.
Stair-Step Foundation Cracks
Stair-step foundation cracks resemble a staircase pattern and indicate that your foundation is settling. The main causes of these cracks are often the result of the expansion of and contraction of Oklahoma’s clay soil.
Process To Repair Foundation Cracks on Interior Concrete Slab
Not all slab cracks require repair. Two common factors structural engineers and foundation repair companies take into consideration when determining if a slab crack needs repair are the length and width of the crack and any elevation change created by the crack. While interior piers can be installed to stabilize a settling interior concrete slab, one of the more common services foundation repair companies provide to address interior slab cracks is an engineer-approved process referred to as floor stitching.
Here’s a brief overview of our engineer-approved, five-step process for repairing interior slab cracks:
- Our 5-star rated crew members prepare the area where the work will be performed. We make every effort to contain dust and debris.
- Once the area is prepared, we remove approximately four to six inches on each side of the slab crack.
- Once the concrete is removed, we drill and pin rebar into the existing slab.
- New concrete is then poured, and the old concrete was removed. This effectively ties the interior concrete slab back to one piece as opposed to the separate pieces the slab crack created.
- The work area is thoroughly cleaned. We take pride in leaving the job site cleaner than we found it.
It is important to note that sometimes the slab cracks are so severe or prevalent that floor stitching is not a viable option. When this occurs, the service our company provides is partial or complete interior slab replacement.
Process To Address Foundation Cracks on Exterior Walls
If cracks on your exterior walls warrant foundation repair, the most common service OFS provides is the hydraulically driven steel pier. Driven deep into the soil, steel piers stabilize the home’s foundation. At OFS, this engineer-approved process is backed by a lifetime transferable warranty.
The following are three reasons why steel piers provide lasting structural stability to homes:
- Strength That Lasts: Steel piers are known for their exceptional load-bearing capacity. They provide unwavering support, effectively combating settling and shifting.
- Durability: Steel piers are built to withstand the test of time, keeping your foundation stable for years to come.
- Precision Installation: Steel piers are hydraulically driven deep into the soil until they reach a stable stratum. This precision ensures reliable support for your home, preventing future foundation issues.
Here’s a brief overview of OFS’s engineer-approved, six-step process for installing hydraulically driven steel piers:
- OFS’s five-star rated crew members manually dig with shovels until they reach the bottom of the footing.
- An OFS premium quality steel bracket is placed underneath the footing that sits like a chair.
- With a hydraulic ram, a steel pipe is driven through the bracket until the pipe hits the point of refusal (this is often referred to as bedrock or load-bearing strata).
- The pipe is then welded to the bracket.
- OFS crew members backfill and tamp the dirt that was removed.
- Cracks are sealed in order to aid in the prevention of water intrusion and to provide a cosmetically appealing finish.
How To Prevent Foundation Cracks?
To prevent foundation cracks and to make sure the foundation repairs last, homeowners should follow these tips–
Tip 1: Address Non-Structural Cracks
Non-structural cracks have no particular shape or size; you can find them in your house’s foundation. If you encounter non-structural cracks like diagonal or horizontal, promptly address them and call a professional if necessary. By doing so, you can prevent your foundation from deteriorating further in the future.
Tip 2: Install Proper Drainage Systems
Regularly clear the debris in the gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Moreover, install a well-designed drainage system to divert water from your foundation. If you live in an area with high flood risks, installing a sump pump is also a good idea to prevent foundation cracks.
Tip 3: Regulate Landscaping
Refrain from planting trees or shrubs near the house. Instead, plant them at a safe distance from the home to prevent their roots from putting excessive pressure on the foundation.
Tip 4: Ensure Proper Grading
Make sure that you slope the surrounding landscape away from the foundation. When the soil slopes downward and away from the foundation, it helps to prevent water from accumulating near the home.
Foundation Repair Experts In Oklahoma – Oklahoma Foundation Solutions
We at Oklahoma Foundation Solutions are readily available if you require foundation repair experts in Oklahoma. We specialize in repairing foundation cracks, repairing concrete slab foundations, repairing foundation-related issues in crawl spaces, and repairing foundation-related issues in basements. You can rely on us to handle all your foundation repair needs professionally and efficiently.
From basement foundation repair to concrete foundation repair to crawl space repair, we at OFS offer a myriad of engineer-approved services that address foundation-related issues.
Ready to work with the ultimate experts? Contact us today at (405) 331-7171 if you want to learn more.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes and types of foundation cracks is important in determining the appropriate repair methods. While most foundation cracks are repairable, the size, type, and underlying cause of the crack will determine which foundation repair service is needed.
