When you’re suffering through a heatwave, the last thing on your mind is your home’s foundation. But it’s been brought to your attention, and now you need to ask, “Does hot weather cause foundation wall crack?”
The foundation is an essential part of your house, supporting the structure and keeping it level and stable. Unfortunately, foundation problems are common, and one of the most widespread issues is foundation cracks. Most people don’t think about their foundation until they see cracks in their concrete walls or floor, and then they wonder if the hot weather is to blame.
The settlement, poor construction, and changes in the soil can cause cracks in the foundation. However, one of the most surprising causes of foundation cracks is hot weather. That’s right – hot weather can cause the foundation to expand and contract, leading to cracks in the floor and walls. If you live in an area with hot summers, you should keep an eye out for cracks in your foundation floor and have them repaired ASAP from the foundation contractor.
Are Foundation Cracks Common?
Foundation cracks are unfortunately quite common in many homes. Experts design the foundation to bear the entire house’s weight. Over time, foundation floors can start to settle, which can cause cracks to form. Another reason foundation cracks form is temperature changes. When the ground freezes and thaws, it can put pressure on foundation walls, causing them to crack. Foundation walls can also crack due to scorching weather. Besides, such foundation issues are common in the Kansas City & Wichita due to their clay soil type.
Although we call such cracks normal foundation cracks, it doesn’t mean that they’re benign. While most foundation cracks are harmless, some can indicate serious problems such as foundation settlement or water damage. Over time, untreated cracks can further increase the dangers that come along with structural problems. If you have foundation cracks, it’s vital to have them assessed by a professional to determine if they pose a structural threat to your home.
How to Seal Foundation Cracks?
The settling of your house can cause some cracks. These are usually small, hairline cracks that appear in the mortar joints between bricks or in concrete slabs. They can also appear around door frames, windows, and baseboards.
You do not need to be worried about such cracks. You can quickly fill foundation cracks like these with concrete crack filler, caulk, epoxy-based, or polyurethane resin. The resins quickly harden due to glue and form a watertight seal. The main disadvantage of this method is that it can be expensive, and it requires some skill to do it properly. Besides, you can also take help from structural engineer for better solutions.
What Foundation Cracks Are Bad?
Not all foundation cracks & structural cracks are created equal. Some are merely cosmetic and pose no threat to the structural integrity of your home. Others, however, can cause severe damage if left alone. The most common type of foundation damage is settlement, which occurs when the soil beneath your foundation shifts and settles. Settlement can cause vertical or horizontal cracks to form in your foundation wall repair. In some cases, settlement can also lead to a loss of support, which can cause your foundation to collapse.
Another type of foundation damage is heaving, which occurs when the soil beneath your foundation expands and pushes against your foundation walls. This can lead to water problems in your home, which can cause extensive damage that may be expensive to fix.
Heaving also happens due to hot weather when soil contracts due to lack of moisture. This can cause upward movement of your foundation, which can crack your basement floor and basement foundation walls. This can create serious problems with your foundation over time.
If you suspect that you have a problem with your foundation, it’s essential to have it inspected by a qualified professional. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. A general rule of thumb is, if you spot any crevices over a quarter inch wide, those are the foundation cracks you need to be concerned about.
What Are Some Common Causes of Foundation Cracks?
The foundation supports the weight of the house and keeps it from shifting or settling. Cracks in the foundation can weaken the structure of your house and lead to expensive repairs. There are several common causes of foundation cracks, including the following:
- Shrinking and Expansion
As concrete cures, it shrinks slightly, and this can cause cracking, especially if the concrete is unevenly poured. Temperature changes can also cause foundation cracks. When the soil freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the foundation. As the soil thaws, it shrinks and leaves voids that can cause the foundation to settle and crack.
- Poor Drainage
If water collects around your foundation, it can seep into cracks and cause them to widen. Poor drainage can also lead to hydrostatic pressure, which puts extra pressure on the foundation wall and causes them to crack.
- Tree Roots
Tree roots can grow under your foundation and push against it, causing cracks. Moreover, when you forget to water trees and plants around your house, the roots shrink and cause soil movement & foundation movement.
- Settling
Over time, houses settle into the ground. Settling can cause cracks, especially if your house foundation is not built on solid ground.
If you notice any cracks in your foundation, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible.
Can You Prevent Foundation Cracks From Happening in the First Place?
There are several ways to help prevent foundation repair cracks from happening in the first place. One is to make sure that the soil around the foundation is evenly moist. Keeping the soil moist will help to prevent the soil from shrinking or expanding due to temperature changes.
Another is to make sure that any trees or shrubs near the foundation are well-watered. Watering trees will help to keep the roots from drying out and putting pressure on the foundation walls.
Finally, you can have your foundation checked periodically by a professional that you can also find on Foundation Maestro. The expert will help you to catch any potential problems before they lead to bigger problems down the road. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
Conclusion
Your home’s foundation is essential because it keeps your house standing and level. Without a solid foundation, basement walls could start to crack, doors won’t close properly, and windows might break.
Some foundation wall cracks are cosmetic and pose no threat to the structural integrity of your home. However, others can result in serious problems if left unaddressed. It’s essential to determine the cause of a foundation crack before trying to repair it.
