One of the realities of owning a home is that it will eventually start to take on foundation cracks. These cracks can cause a host of problems in terms of your basement taking on water. This is why it’s vital to repair them over time.
Are you wondering what the foundation crack repair process entails? To help give you an understanding, this basement waterproofing company in Addison, Illinois is going to present a short guide on the topic below.
What Causes Foundation Cracks?
Foundation cracks can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common factors leading to foundation cracks include the following:
Groundwater
The primary cause of foundation cracks is groundwater. The more groundwater that accumulates against the side of a foundation, the greater pressure that groundwater applies, and the more likely it is to result in a crack.
The more you can reduce groundwater accumulation, the fewer cracks your foundation will incur. This is where basement waterproofing comes into the picture. The primary goal of basement waterproofing is to reduce hydrostatic pressure against the home’s foundation. This can be done with a variety of entities, including sump pumps, drain tiles, and downspout extensions.
If you’re interested in waterproofing your basement, you can always get in touch with a reputable basement waterproofing company in Addison, Illinois — like ULB-DRY Waterproofing. We’ll not only install new waterproofing entities for you, but we’ll also fix your existing foundation cracks.
Shifting Soil
Another cause of foundation cracks is shifting soil. Soil shifts over time. There’s nothing you can do to stop it from doing so. While you can reduce soil shifting by properly setting the soil prior to laying the home’s foundation, it will still, indeed, shift. As it shifts, its pressure will induce foundation cracks.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can cause foundation cracking as well. If a tree root contacts a foundation, it will continue to grow toward it, applying pressure and eventually causing a crack.
The Negative Effects of Not Repairing Foundation Cracks
Failing to repair foundation cracks can result in a number of negative effects. These include but aren’t necessarily limited to the following:
Flooding
In the worst-case scenario, foundation cracks will enable your basement to flood. Every new crack is a new avenue through which groundwater can flow. If there are too many cracks and too hard a rain, flooding could potentially occur. This is why it’s better to repair new foundation cracks sooner rather than later.
Mold Growth
Another potential consequence of failing to repair foundation cracks is mold growth. Mold tends to grow where water exists. If there’s water in your basement via foundation cracks, the accumulation of mold spores will almost certainly follow.
Musty Smells
Musty smells are a common problem as well. After sitting for a while, basement water tends to take on a foul odor. This can permeate the entire basement if it’s not kept at bay. Fortunately, a professional basement waterproofing company in Addison, Illinois can fix your foundation cracks, helping to fight the problem.
A Crumbling Foundation
The last negative effect is a crumbling foundation. The more cracks the foundation incurs, the weaker it will become. As it grows weaker, it will start to cave in on itself. In some cases, this can result in the foundation collapsing entirely, a problem that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Looking for a Basement Waterproofing Company in Addison, Illinois?
Are there cracks in your home’s foundation? Ready to partner with a basement waterproofing company in Addison, Illinois that can identify and repair them? If so, you’ve come to the right place — ULB-DRY Waterproofing is just a call away. Contact us today to get the foundation crack repair process started.