Foundation cracks are caused by a variety of factors, many of which are out of your control. While discovering damage to the foundation of your home can be unsettling, understanding the types of cracks, as well as their causes, can prevent you from worry and potentially save you money on crack repairs. Learn more about foundation cracks as well as their causes below. 

What Causes Foundation Cracks?

1. Shrinkage

Commonly found in homes with poured concrete foundations, shrinkage cracks are caused by natural movements and tensile stress in the concrete due to excess moisture, drought, or temperature fluctuations in the soil surrounding your foundation. Typically, these hairline cracks do not cause structural damage, and crack repairs can be administered to avoid leaks and prevent the cracks from growing.

2. Construction Defects

In some cases, poorly executed backfilling, inadequate reinforcements, and weak concrete poured during the construction of your home can lead to defects that make your foundation prone to cracking. Unfortunately, these types of cracks are often structural and can lead to leaks, in addition to more significant foundation issues.

3. Tree Roots

Tree roots, which extend two to three times farther below ground than the branches above, can grow into the walls of your home, causing damage that, when left unchecked, can quickly weaken its structural integrity. Additionally, as a tree's roots grow, the soil surrounding them can shift and become uneven, destabilizing the ground beneath your home and leading to cracks.

If you've discovered a crack in the foundation of your home, don't wait until it grows larger. Contact the professionals at Reliable Crack Injection serving clients in Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky. With more than ten years of experience in foundation leaks and crack repair, their skilled team will assess your damages and provide repairs built to last with their 20-year guarantee. Contact them today at (513) 368-4366 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.