Spotting a crack in your foundation can be unsettling, especially when you consider that it’s the entire support system for your house. There are many types of cracks, some less severe than others. Because of this, it’s important to know which one you’re dealing with to take the proper course of action and determine which foundation repair you’ll need.

Horizontal

A horizontal crack is the most serious type and impacts the structural integrity of your home. While this is most common in homes with concrete or block basements, it’s the result of excess pressure being exerted against the wall. Over time, the pressure causes bowing to the wall and ultimately leads to horizontal cracks. This problem is usually caused by frost heave, excessive backfilling, or damage near the foundation wall. Hiring a foundation repair expert to provide additional reinforcement is often required to fix the problem.

Diagonal

Uneven settling usually causes a crack that runs at a 30- to 75-degree angle along the wall or basement beneath the foundation. This causes the foundation to move in two different directions and leads to both vertical and horizontal tension, resulting in a diagonal crack. The most common cause is rapid changes in the soil, such as excessive rain or drought. You’ll need to address the soil problem under the foundation to ultimately fix this issue. 

Vertical

Vertical cracks are a common occurrence and the easiest to fix. They are usually the result of settling, which is typical for most homes, especially new construction. An epoxy seal is often the only type of foundation repair needed in this case.

If you’re a northern Kentucky or southwestern Ohio resident, Stan Young Drainage has the expertise and experience to handle all types of foundation repair and waterproofing. They will even work with you to avoid costly repairs down the road. Call (859) 816-5613 today to schedule an inspection, or visit their website to learn more about their services.