Cracks in the basement walls are a common problem that a homeowner might see as the home ages. They are especially common in old foundations, and when they appear, they cause a great deal of concern. Some cracks are merely cosmetic and will inevitably appear with age. Generally, however, cracks are indicative of a deeper problem – one that can mean structural instability at the foundation of your home.
This may be caused by pressure surrounding the foundation or from shifting soil beneath the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure is a common culprit: water builds up in the soil around the foundation and begins to press in until the walls buckle from the strain. Cracks may be the first physical sign of foundation walls beginning to bow and buckle. If this is the case, and the crack is not simply a cosmetic issue, there is a number of risks to your home. Leaks or flooding may occur if the water seeps through the foundation walls, leading to mold or mildew growth as well as extensive water damage. Bowing walls and an unstable foundation can also severely affect the structural integrity of your home.
Fortunately, while the potential damages resulting from cracked basement walls could be incredibly expensive, professional crack repair does not have to be. There are a few different minimally invasive solutions for wall cracks.
Carbon fiber is stronger than steel and will hold your wall together more effectively than any other material. It is inexpensive and easy to install, and like injections, is non-invasive. Carbon fiber is a good solution, especially in cases when there is some movement detected in the wall, as it helps keep the wall immobile.
Cracks that are identified and fixed early are the least expensive to mend. Crack repair can be done in a single day if the problems are caught in the early stages, and repairing cracks sooner rather than later can save you from having to do costly home repairs for water damage. Early recognition and correction of cracks can also stop movement in your home’s foundation, saving you the costs of an expensive foundation repair or replacement.
At Intech Anchoring, we can assess the severity of the cracks and give you a diagnosis and plan to ensure you take the best steps moving forward. If you are seeing cracks in your basement walls, call us at Intech Anchoring today at 800-223-7015 or fill out a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.