One thing that most homeowners know is that horizontal and vertical wall cracks are not good to have to go on. Anytime home damage is an issue, this is likely to be cause for major concern, especially if you’re unsure of the extent.
Regardless of whether they’re horizontal or vertical, wall cracks are a sign of foundation problems, one of the most likely being foundation settlement. However, do horizontal and vertical cracks mean different types of settlement issues?
Is one type of crack more serious than the other? Read on to learn more about wall cracks, what they mean, and what solutions are available.
How Are Horizontal or Vertical Cracks in the Wall Different?
Horizontal and vertical wall cracks form differently, and the two types have different severity levels. Vertical cracks are the most common types of cracks attributable to foundation settlement. Horizontal cracks are the worse of the two and are usually due to soil pressure.
Vertical cracks are usually easy to repair before they become more serious problems. Horizontal cracks, on the other hand, often move along walls, greatly extending the scope of their damage. Hydrostatic pressure or poor drainage are the most common reasons for horizontal cracks.
Why Can Horizontal or Vertical Wall Cracks Be Such Serious Problems?
Horizontal or vertical wall cracks mean that attention is required to keep your foundation in good shape. However, each of these types of cracks potentially means something different for the overall health of your foundation and home.
Vertical cracks are often mainly a cosmetic issue, which may come as a relief for homeowners. However, an inspection by a foundation specialist is still a good idea before making decisions. Although many of these cracks have their origins in concrete shrinkage, a professional will have a more complete view of the root cause and your repair options.
Horizontal cracks can lead to your home’s foundation completely failing. Even if the foundation doesn’t fail, the effects are likely to be more serious and costly to fix. Walls in more than one part of your home may have problems because these cracks usually involve more than one support getting compromised.
Regardless of whether the cracks seem serious from your perspective, you won’t go wrong in having an inspection. Knowing what is going on and that the situation is something you can fix will likely come as a major relief.
What Types of Solutions Are Available to Fix Wall Cracks?
As much of a disaster as wall cracks may seem initially, the good news is that several solutions are available. The solution will vary depending on the type of crack, the size and severity, and the cause. Less-serious cracks will require repair to the wall, while more substantial cracks require foundation work.
One important thing to remember is that professionals will do the best job of repairing foundation problems that cause wall cracks. Filling in a crack and painting over it sometimes seems like the best solution. However, if not repaired properly, one of these cracks can allow in a lot of damaging moisture.
A foundation contractor will find a solution based on your circumstances. Some possible solutions that may be available include:
- Wall crack filling
- Waterproofing
- Interior vertical wall restraints
- Foundation piering
Wall crack repair has several benefits that go beyond giving you greater peace of mind. Having these issues dealt with helps you maintain your property value, as well as prevent damage to your valuables. Your family and visitors will also be safer because you don’t need to worry about mold or crumbling walls.
When you have any possible foundation issues, you will benefit from a foundation specialist familiar with the right solutions. Olson Foundation Repair knows how to address horizontal or vertical wall cracks; contact us to see how we can help you today.