The foundation of a home provides support and stability and bears the weight of the structure. Over time, your foundation can develop cracks for various reasons. If you don’t take care of these cracks, they can cause major issues for your home, such as water leaks, flooding, and structural issues.
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Understanding what causes these cracks will help you know how to deal with them properly. Here are some examples of what can cause cracks in your home’s foundation.
Improper construction is one of the main culprits of cracks in a home’s foundation. If a builder or contractor cuts too many corners during the construction of a home and doesn’t take the proper steps when pouring the foundation, it can lead to serious cracks and structural problems.
Also, if a housing contractor doesn’t compact the soil correctly before laying the foundation, it can result in premature settling and cracking. Another common construction mistake contractors make is failing to install proper drainage systems, which can cause soil erosion, creating unstable ground for your home’s foundation.
Other common causes of foundational cracks in a home are floods and leaks. Water from rain, flooding, and leaks can saturate the soil around your home and put extra pressure on your home’s foundation, weakening it. This pressure can cause cracks in the foundation, leading to further problems for your home.
Floods and heavy rainfall can also cause soil erosion, which can be detrimental to your home’s structure. In these instances, the rainwater washes away the soil supporting the foundation, which can lead to premature settling. It’s important to know how proper water drainage can protect your home’s foundation so that you can make the necessary changes.
Trees on your property can also cause foundation cracks and pose a problem for your home’s stability. The invasive root systems of trees can cause structural issues for homeowners. These roots grow in search of nutrients and water, winding their way under building foundations and causing the soil to shift and gap in the process.
These gaps in the soil can cause your home to sink and settle, resulting in cracks and damage. If you wish to plant trees on your property, it’s best to keep them at least 20 feet away from the perimeter of your home to avoid foundation issues.
Now that you know some of the common causes of foundation cracks in your home, you can pinpoint the cause of your cracking. You can hire professionals to inspect your foundation and perform repairs and maintenance to keep your home’s structure in good condition.
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