How Do Foundation Cracks Appear and How to Treat them? -

Any construction inevitably rests on foundations. These allow the structure of a home to be supported and ensure its stability. Consequently, when cracks appear on the foundations, the entire infrastructure is in danger. So, where do foundation cracks appear and how can they be repaired?

Everything you need to know about foundation cracks!

Foundation cracks are particularly dangerous and yet difficult to detect at first glance! Because the foundations are buried, the cracks remain invisible to the eye. Yet, the good condition of the foundations is essential because they have a fundamental role, which is to support the loads of the building on the ground.

What are the causes?

The causes of cracks appearing on foundations can be various. Only a specialized expert will be able to determine them:

The nature of the soil: clayey, rocky, or sandy soil can cause cracks in the foundations. Subject to shrinkage and swelling, or unstable, this soil puts a strain on the load-bearing capacity of a house.
Climatic conditions: between floods and drought, extreme climatic conditions have repercussions on the ground which cause ground movements that weaken the foundations.
The state of the water tables: excessive fluctuations (rain, pumping, diversion of watercourses, etc.) in the subsoil can jeopardize the stability of the soil and lead to the appearance of cracks in the foundations.

Why are they dangerous?

Cracks in foundations are particularly dangerous because they jeopardize the entire structure of a building. Indeed, foundations meet very strict construction standards and must be built on stable and rigid ground. Before any construction project, a soil study is carried out. In practice, it is sometimes necessary to dig deep to find the desired stability. Foundations that are too superficial or foundations impacted by the unstable nature of the ground or bad weather become fragile and risk causing the house to subside, causing a lot of damage.

How to fix them?

Repairing foundations requires significant consolidation work. This underpinning requires the excavation of the foundations and the installation of micropiles, or the injection of expansive resin to raise the house. In principle, it is important to stabilize the entire house before repairing other cracks caused by ricochets on the walls, ceiling, and facade.

Is your house sagging?

If you notice a lot of damage in your home and you feel that it is sinking, it is imperative to contact an expert quickly. After a thorough study of your floor and your construction, he will be able to advise you on effective repair methods. Don’t wait and ask for advice quickly!