Foundation cracks are serious business -- so much so, that they can severely weaken a building’s structural integrity. One of the leading causes of foundation cracking is settlement. Settlement occurs naturally, but can also result from poor soil compaction and moisture issues.
There are three main types of foundation cracks: vertical, horizontal and diagonal.
Vertical cracking -- the most common type of cracking -- is typically found in poured walls. The cracks, which are usually wider at the bottom, can extend the entire length of the wall all the way to the floor.
Horizontal cracks will appear in concrete block construction. It's important to note where the break is located, because it typically indicates the cause of the cracking.
Diagonal cracks generally show up at the corner of a concrete wall due to settlement. Settlement is soil or foliage that forms too close to the structure.
Foundation crack repair should be done immediately -- either with epoxy injections, strapping or underpinning.
An epoxy injection is one of the most common ways to repair a foundation crack. Epoxy is a tough resin with significant strength and minimal shrinking. It is also extremely resistant to moisture and chemicals. After it is injected into the crack, staples are used to stabilize the repair.
Strapping is another way to repair a crack. The straps are made of Kevlar, and are typically used to repair horizontal cracks (which have been known cause walls to collapse). Horizontal cracking is often a sign of too much weight against the structure.
Another method of fixing foundation cracks is underpinning, which increases the depth or width of the foundation. Underpinning provides better support for the building’s weight by distributing its mass more evenly. It can also be used on homes that have been built on expansive soil.
If you have cracking issues, give us a call for a free foundation inspection. We can tell you what is causing the cracking and how to fix it.
Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation inspection and foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://quakeproofers.com/.
See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4 and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts
Very informative article which is about the crack repair and i must bookmark it, keep posting interesting articles.
ReplyDeletefoundation repair