You walk down to the basement and see a crack in the floor or wall. Whether you’ve just never noticed it before or the crack is brand-new, finding any cracks in your basement can be alarming.
Cracks in basement walls or floors may indicate underlying issues with your foundation, moisture intrusion, or natural settling, so having them inspected and addressed quickly is crucial in limiting the damage and protecting your home. In our latest blog post, we’ll discuss some of the causes of basement cracks, the risks of ignoring them, and how they can be addressed.
What Causes Cracks in the Basement?
It’s fairly common to find cracks around your home as your home ages and settles. However, some cracks in the basement can be a sign of more serious problems that need to be addressed.
Basement cracks can develop due to:
- Foundation Settling: Over time, your home’s foundation may settle unevenly, leading to cracks in basement walls and floors. This is the most common cause and severity can vary by case, but it’s important to monitor any signs of foundation settling closely.
- Water Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater can push against the foundation, causing cracks to form or existing cracks to widen. This is most common in areas with high water tables.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Expanding and contracting soil due to temperature changes can stress your foundation, resulting in cracks. Over time, these cracks can widen and lead to further structural issues with continued temperature fluctuations.
- Poor Construction: Inadequate materials or improper construction techniques can lead to cracks appearing sooner than expected.
Scheduling a professional inspection can determine the root cause of your basement cracks and ensure you receive the right service to prevent cracks from returning in the future.
The Dangers of Ignoring Basement Cracks
When it comes to basement cracks, early recognition and repairs are important in limiting the damage and restoring your basement. Ignoring basement concrete cracks can lead to more serious problems, such as:
Water Damage
Cracks in the basement can allow water to seep in, leading to significant water damage. When water enters your basement, you may experience several issues like mold and mildew growth, structural issues, poor indoor air quality, damage to personal property, and even increased utility bills. If you inspect your basement cracks and notice any water coming through or they feel moist to touch, contact a professional immediately.
Structural Damage
Cracks in the basement can lead to significant structural damage if left unaddressed. Over time, structural cracks can compromise the foundation’s ability to support your home, resulting in shifting or settling. This can cause uneven floors, misaligned doors and windows, and other structural issues. If you notice widening cracks or signs of structural integrity issues, it’s important to contact a professional.
More Expensive Repairs
The longer that basement cracks go unresolved, the more expensive the basement crack repair may become. This is because cracks can worsen over time, leading to more severe structural damage, water intrusion, and additional complications. As the damage progresses, the repairs required can become more extensive and costly, potentially involving solutions like foundation reinforcement or extensive waterproofing.
Infestations
Pests thrive in dark and damp environments. Unfortunately, cracks within your basement can allow insects, rodents, and other pests to enter your home. Once pests enter your home, they can cause additional damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and structural materials. They may even contribute to poor air quality and potential health risks.
How to Address Basement Cracks
At Jaco, we have special tools and extensive experience to address basement cracks from within the home, rather than going outside and having to dig up the foundation. We use a liquid polyurethane that expands inside the crack from inside your basement. This allows it to completely fill the crack and prevents further damage.
Our team can also resolve the root cause of many basement cracks, such as poor drainage or foundation issues, to prevent them from returning. By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying problems, we ensure a long-lasting solution that protects your home from future issues.
Give Jaco a call today for basement crack repairs in Cincinnati and Indianapolis.
Choose Jaco for Basement and Foundation Services
At Jaco, we understand that the safety and comfort of your family come first. That’s why we work quickly to address any basement foundation crack, as well as their root causes. We take a thorough approach to ensure that your basement is not only repaired but also protected from future issues. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and high-quality materials to deliver lasting solutions, while our focus on addressing underlying problems prevents recurring issues.
Choose Jaco for reliable, comprehensive basement and foundation services that protect your home and provide peace of mind. From hairline cracks to deeper and wider cracks, we offer solutions to keep your home safe. We proudly serve the Cincinnati and Indianapolis areas.