There are some things that are nearly inevitable when it comes to the concrete foundations that are laid underneath our homes. Foundation cracks are one of those things, and there are many different reasons these happen. Some include things like poorly done construction, invasive roots, shifting soil, settling of the house, and damage from natural disasters like earthquakes. You may have heard from a foundation contractor, if you have grown concerned and reached out for information, that cracking is normal! The problem is, a crack in your foundation should not be ignored.
As a homeowner, your investment in your home is being threatened by a crack in the foundation. The foundation plays the role of the very structure of the home, and a crack means that it is compromised. No matter how much you have invested in your home, any problem that stems from the foundation should be resolved as soon as possible. Large or small, calling in for the help of a qualified contractor in your area is paramount!
Foundation distress can cause the following problems:
Dangers of Poor Structural Integrity
When cracks begin to appear, they can be interpreted as a signal of issues that are less obvious and may have been happening for a longer period of time. To further worsen the situation, cracks then lead to water intrusion that can cause a variety of additional problems. They are all related to issues that slowly degrade the foundation.
Decreasing The Indoor Air Quality of the Home
Once the water has intruded into the crawl space or basement of your home, the conditions there will immediately begin to cultivate mold growth. The spores that come off from the growing colonies get into the air, the same air that travels up into your home via the Stack Effect. In fact, research shows that a large percentage of the air you breathe in the living areas of your home comes from the lower levels. Sealing the cracks in your foundation can help prevent these problems.
Degrading the Value of the Home
Whether you are an educated homeowner or a professional home buyer or appraiser, the sign of a foundation crack is a large red flag. It signals that there is a much more “foundational” problem and communicates that the property is being poorly maintained. Always choose a certified foundation specialist or contractor to help solve these problems. A chip in the paint or a broken window does not measure up to a crack in the very foundation your home rests on for support!
You want the home your family resides in to remain safe and strong for a lifetime. This requires maintenance of the problems that can cause some serious drawbacks to the security of the home’s structure. If you see cracks in the foundation of your home, or suspect there are other problems with it, give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call today. (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168
