Foundation cracks are often an aesthetic problem that many homeowners find unsightly. One of the most common ways people choose to do this is by filling their foundation cracks with cement. However, before using cement to fill your foundation cracks, there are some important considerations you need to make first. Read on to learn more about why foundation cracks happen, whether you should use cement to fill them and which kinds of cement will work best on your home’s foundation or crack repair project.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
The foundation of your home is the most important part of your house. Without a solid foundation, your home can cause minor issues such as cracks in your walls. However, larger issues can happen such as your walls falling apart due to cracks in the foundation. Foundation cracks are usually caused by a variety of different things, such as soil erosion, frost heaving, or groundwater. Things such as mudslides or even changes in the weather can cause foundation cracks. Foundation repair is required when the foundation has been compromised and needs to be stabilized.
There are two types of foundation repairs: structural and non-structural. Structural repairs involve repairing the foundation itself so that it can bear weight again, while non-structural repairs only involve reinforcing other parts of the house to compensate for the damage to the foundation.
Can You Simply Fill Cracks with Cement?
Concrete is used in many ways on a daily basis. It is popular as a building material, and can also be used in things like foundations for houses. A common issue with foundations is that they are exposed to moisture or other conditions that cause cracks in them. When foundation cracks appear, homeowners may wonder if it’s possible to fill them up with concrete. However, concrete doesn’t mix well with water and isn’t a recommended material for filling foundation cracks. In addition to the likelihood of the water interfering with the cement, it also likely won’t provide the support needed to make for a solid foundation repair since it would only patch the issue and not fix the actual problem. It may even add to the problem as the weather changes.
The Risks of Using Cement to Fill Cracks
While there is no magic wand or one-size-fits-all solution for repairing cracks in foundations, one option that many homeowners choose to take advantage of is a product called caulk. This DIY substance comes in pre-mixed tubes or jars and it can seal most cracks with very little mess or hassle. However, there are risks associated with using caulk and these should be understood before applying any substance near a crack in your foundation.
When to Avoid Cement Foundation Crack Filler
Using cement foundation crack filler can be an effective solution in certain situations, but it’s important to consider your options before beginning. For example, filling a foundation crack with cement may not be ideal if you want to add on an addition or garage in the future. As concrete needs room to expand and contract as temperatures change, there will be stress put on your new construction once it’s up. Using cement foundation crack filler could also make cracks worse when expansion occurs. Ultimately, you may end up having issues down the road that are much more expensive to fix than a little crack filler now would have been.
How to Repair Your Cracked Foundation
The structural foundation repair process is not an easy one. It requires a lot of time, effort and money. However, it is worth the investment because it can help ensure that your home or business remains structurally sound for many years to come.
There are many different types of foundation cracks that require different types of repairs. Foundation cracks can be caused by a variety of things including soil movement, frost heaving, or even a tree root pushing up against the foundation wall. If you have any type of foundation crack in your home or business and would like to repair it correctly, then you should contact a professional contractor as soon as possible.
Non-structural foundation repair is the process of reinforcing parts of a foundation to prevent further damage. This can be done by installing steel or concrete reinforcements, or by using hydraulic jacks to lift and support the foundation.
In some cases, the foundation will require a support system using hydraulic jacks to hold the home in place while a new foundation is put in place or while the foundation is being repaired. Due to the challenges of holding a house in place, it’s ideal that you work with a professional. A professional is going to be able to handle all of the equipment and make any adjustments needed as they are working to ensure the job gets done correctly and safely.
Work With a Professional
If you see cracks or have other structural concerns, contact an expert in foundation repair who can give you an unbiased opinion. It’s also possible that there’s a larger problem at hand—such as aging pipes or too much moisture—that requires the attention of a professional. With the help of a professional, you’ll be able to find the best solution to fill your foundation cracks.
Fixing cracks in your home’s foundation doesn’t have to be difficult, though it can be time-consuming. Keep these tips in mind as you decide on the most appropriate way to fill foundation cracks in your home or business.
