How to Tell If , Foundation Cracks , Are Minor or Major Problems. Lifehacker recently offered readers some tips for identifying if cracks in a foundation are harmless or something that impacts structural integrity.
Here are some of the warning signs that experts recommended looking out for.
Non-threatening cracks are generally small, not larger than an eighth of an inch, and don't allow moisture through.
Another sign of a harmless crack is that it doesn't grow up or down or to either side.
Many harmless cracks can be caused by flaws in the curing process and don't require maintenance.
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Cracks to be concerned about can appear damp, will be wider than an eighth of an inch or show some type of movement or change in size.
Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks that appear below the soil line should be addressed.
Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks that appear below the soil line should be addressed.
Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.
Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.
If in doubt, it's always best to have a professional inspect any cracks you find in your foundation.
Paying for an inspection is much cheaper than the potential repairs associated with letting a leaky foundation go unaddressed
