What Causes A Cracked Foundation?

A cracked foundation is more than just an eyesore—it’s a signal that something may be threatening your home’s structural stability. Understanding the reasons behind foundation cracks can empower you as a homeowner to address the issue before it worsens. Here’s a closer look at the common causes of foundation cracks and how to prevent them for long-term peace of mind.

Jump to article sections:

1. Article Summary
2. Lack of Drainage and Water Damage
3. Soil Movement and Expansive Clay
4. Seasonal Weather Changes and Foundation Stress
5. Poor Construction Practices and Materials
6. Tree Roots and Landscaping Problems
7. Settling or Uneven Ground Beneath Your Home
8. When to Call a Professional for Foundation Repair

1. Article Summary

• Foundation cracks can result from various factors, including soil movement, poor drainage, seasonal weather changes, and settling ground.
• Water damage from inadequate drainage systems like clogged gutters often leads to foundation pressure and cracking.
• Expansive clay soil, which shrinks and swells with moisture changes, puts stress on foundations, causing cracks over time.
• Poor construction practices and subpar materials can create vulnerabilities in foundations from the start.
• Uneven settling of the foundation due to shifting soil or poor compaction can cause structural imbalances.
• Promptly addressing cracks and consulting a professional foundation repair company can prevent extensive damage.

2. Lack of Drainage and Water Damage

Water is one of the biggest culprits behind foundation damage. If water isn’t directed away from your home, it can pool around the foundation, leading to excessive pressure on the walls and eventual cracking. Poor drainage systems, like clogged gutters or downspouts that don’t extend far enough, are frequent offenders.

If your rain gutters release water too close to your home, they could be oversaturating the soil close to your foundation with excess moisture. Wet soil expands and can put pressure on your foundation walls. So make sure gutter cleaning is part of your regular home maintenance.

Early signs of water-related foundation issues include damp basement walls, puddles near your home after rain, and mold growth. To combat this, consider installing proper drainage solutions like sump pumps, French drains, and downspout extensions to channel water away from your foundation.

3. Soil Movement and Expansive Clay

The type of soil your home sits on plays a significant role in the health of your foundation. Expansive clay soils are especially problematic because they shrink when dry and swell when wet. This constant movement puts enormous pressure on foundations, leading to cracks over time.

Homes built on uneven or shifting soils are prone to these issues. If expansive clay is common in your area, proper grading, soil stabilization techniques, and moisture management can help reduce the strain on your foundation.

Milwaukee’s clay soil doesn’t drain as well as others often leading to foundation problems for Milwaukee area home owners. The most common repair is to perfect the drainage by adding a French drain or sump pump.

4. Seasonal Weather Changes and Foundation Stress

Mother Nature also has a hand in foundation cracks. Seasonal weather changes, like freezing and thawing cycles, cause the soil around your home to expand and contract. This movement can stress your foundation, leading to cracks.

Excessive rain or drought conditions can also have a similar effect. Heavy rainfall increases soil moisture, putting pressure on foundation walls, while prolonged droughts dry out the soil, causing it to shrink and pull away from your foundation. Installing weather-resistant barriers and maintaining consistent moisture around your foundation can mitigate these seasonal challenges.

5. Poor Construction Practices and Materials

Sometimes the root cause of a cracked foundation starts at the very beginning—during construction. Poor workmanship, the use of subpar materials, or failure to follow proper building codes can all lead to long-term issues in the foundation.

If your home was built in a hurry or with cost-cutting measures, you might notice cracks sooner rather than later. To spot red flags when house hunting, look for uneven surfaces, poorly mixed concrete, or gaps in the foundation walls.

6. Tree Roots and Landscaping Problems

Large trees near your home can wreak havoc on your foundation. Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture, and if they find their way underneath your home, they can cause significant soil displacement and foundation cracks.

Improper landscaping, such as flower beds too close to the foundation or a lack of proper grading, can intensify these issues. A good rule of thumb is to plant trees and shrubs at least 15-20 feet away from your home and ensure water drains away from your foundation.

7. Settling or Uneven Ground Beneath Your Home

All homes settle over time, but if the ground beneath your house shifts unevenly, it can cause one side of your foundation to sink or crack. Uneven settling is often linked to poor soil compaction during construction or changes in the soil’s moisture content.

If you notice signs like sloping floors, cracked walls, or difficulty opening windows and doors, your home may be experiencing foundation settlement. Professional foundation leveling and stabilizing solutions can help prevent further damage while restoring your home’s structural balance.

8. When to Call a Professional for Foundation Repair

Detecting foundation issues early is critical to avoid more extensive (and expensive) repairs later. Look out for warning signs like:

• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch
• Bowing or bulging foundation walls
• Persistent moisture or standing water in your basement
• Gaps between walls and ceilings

If you see any of these, it’s time to call in a foundation repair professional. With expert evaluation, you can identify the root cause of the problem and explore solutions.

For those in need of a Milwaukee foundation repair company, trust the experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. With 40 years of experience in the industry, we offer comprehensive foundation repair solutions to keep your home’s foundation strong and stable. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today for a free consultation.