Spotting a new crack in your foundation can stop you in your tracks. It’s the base for your entire home—and your life inside it. Your mind probably races with questions. Is this a big deal? Do I really need to fix this foundation crack right away, or can it wait? Before you panic, know this: not all cracks are created equal. We’ll help you tell a minor issue from a major problem, so you can make the right call for your home and your peace of mind.
Then, you enter the bargaining phase, where you start asking, How much is this going to cost? which leads inevitably to, What if I don’t fix it right away?
Why Do Foundations Crack?
If there is a crack in your home’s foundation, it means that there is some sort of stress being exerted on it enough to cause a block or poured concrete wall to fail slightly. That stress can be caused by several factors, the most common of which is the soil around and underneath your home.
That soil may have shrunk due to prolonged drought. It may have softened due to excessive moisture. Or it may have simply compressed over time because the fill soil your home’s builders placed there wasn’t compacted enough to begin with. In any of these cases, the result is that a part of your home’s foundation has likely begun to settle and sink, increasing the stress on its foundation.
Another kind of stress that can cause foundation cracks is hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding soil. If you’ve experienced a lot of rain or snow, the soil surrounding your home’s basement may be saturated and swollen with literally tons of water. This additional weight in the soil pushes against your basement walls and can cause them to bow inward and crack in the process.
The bottom line is that if you see a crack in your home’s foundation, it’s telling you something’s wrongand it’s time to call an expert to diagnose the problem.
But when should you call? Can it wait, or does it have to be right now?
Why Fix a Foundation Now?
Foundation cracks can grow very slowly sometimes less than an inch a year so, it’s easy to ignore them or at least push them to the bottom of your to-do list.
But here’s the thing: Foundation problems don’t get better over time. And that means they don’t get easier or less expensive to fix. In fact, the best, least expensive time to fix a foundation issue is right when you discover it.
We should also mention that you’re likely legally required to disclose foundation problems if you ever sell your home. And they will probably reduce your home’s selling price by a greater amount than it would cost to fix its foundation. So, that’s another factor you need to consider.
But the main and obvious reason to fix your foundation sooner rather than later is that if you don’t, it will eventually fail, and your home will no longer be safe to occupy. Now, will that be six months from now or six years? Who knows but do you really want to gamble your family’s safety?
The good news is that most foundation problems can be fixed permanently. Depending on the issue, your home’s foundation can be stabilized and even raised back to level using a system of push or helical piers that are driven into the soil beneath your home to bedrock or load-bearing strata.
The key is to find a foundation repair company that has the expertise, experience and equipment to do the job right. In other words, this is NOT the time for a DIY fix or to have a local handyperson tackle the job.
Get estimates. Check references. Read reviews. This is a big project and requires due diligence on your part. And if you get three estimates and one is significantly lower than the other two, treat it with extreme suspicion. Something likely isn’t right.
Again, this is your home we’re talking about. It’s not only likely your biggest single financial investment but also the place that shelters and protects your family. It’s not something that you should skimp on when it comes to a serious repair of this nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every crack in my foundation a sign of a major problem? Not always, but every crack is worth a closer look. Tiny hairline cracks can sometimes be a normal part of your home settling. The real trouble signs are cracks that are getting longer or wider, horizontal cracks, and stair-step cracks in your brick or block walls. Because it’s so hard to tell the difference, the safest bet is to have a professional diagnose the situation.
What causes foundation cracks to form? Think of your foundation as being in a constant relationship with the soil around it. In Oklahoma, that soil can change dramatically. During a drought, it shrinks and pulls away from the foundation, causing it to sink. After heavy rain, it swells and pushes against your foundation walls. This constant shifting and pressure is what puts stress on the concrete, eventually leading to cracks.
Can I just seal a foundation crack myself? Patching a crack from the surface is a temporary cosmetic fix, not a real solution. It’s like putting a bandage on a problem that needs stitches. The crack is just a symptom of a deeper issue, like settlement or water pressure. A professional repair addresses that root cause to make sure the problem doesn’t come back.
How quickly do I need to address a foundation crack? The simple answer is: right away. Foundation problems don’t get better or less complicated with time. A small issue that’s relatively straightforward to fix now can grow into a much larger, more involved project if it’s ignored. Addressing it early is the best way to protect your home’s structure.
Will foundation issues affect my ability to sell my home? Yes, absolutely. When you sell your home, you’re legally required to disclose known foundation problems. Most buyers will be scared off by the prospect of a major structural repair, and it can significantly lower your property value. Having the issue professionally repaired beforehand, with documentation, makes your home much more appealing and secure for a future owner.
Key Takeaways
- Cracks Signal Deeper Issues: A crack in your foundation is a clear sign that your home is under stress, typically from shifting soil or intense water pressure.
- Time Worsens Foundation Problems: Foundation issues don’t resolve themselves. Addressing a problem when you first notice it is the best way to prevent it from becoming more significant and affecting your home’s stability.
- Professional Assessment is Crucial: Foundation repair is a complex job that requires specialized knowledge. For a safe and permanent solution, always have a qualified expert diagnose the issue and perform the work.