A typical basement is constructed of a footing or footer that supports the basement walls and floor. The footing must rest on solid or undisturbed soil. The wall may be constructed of cement block, poured concrete, brick, stone or tile. In the past 80 years, most foundation walls have been constructed of cement block or poured concrete. The floor is poured concrete supported on the edges by the footing and in the center by compacted gravel.
That small crack in your basement wall could be the first sign of a serious foundation problem. Left untreated, not only will the crack probably get larger, it could lead to the collapse of your foundation wall. Uneven settlement means one part of your home might end up higher or lower than another part and it too will cause cracks in your basement floor, foundation wall or in the structure of your home.
Cracks in the floor or the space left where the floor meets the wall (called the cove joint) rarely, if ever, leak as long as the sump system and draintile system are working properly. On occasion, the cove joint can show signs of moisture in areas a great distance from the pump or in alcoves or bays. This joint can be injected with urethane and, when cured, stall the water long enough to allow it to drain. This is assuming the draintile is not blocked. Cracks in the floor should never leak. If water is coming up through floor cracks, the pump may not be working or the draintile has a blockage.
What distinguishes a minor crack from a major problem? The key often is the amount of wall movement. Any movement over 1/2 inch signals a potentially serious problem. Any long horizontal crack at the second or third mortar joint, under the top block or over the bottom block, combined with step cracks and inward movement, indicates a problem. While step cracks near windows and corners often are not serious, if they are combined with floor cracks, shear or vertical cracks, you should be concerned.
Most builders would agree that water leaking into the basement is a common warranty issue. Homeowners and builders are continually looking for ways to utilize every square inch of potential living space. As a result, basements are frequently being converted into useable space. Thus, designing to keep basements dry is more important than ever.
Does your yard or the land around your home slope away from your home? It should. Look for any depressions in the ground next to the home foundation walls. If any are found, fill in with dirt so the water drains away from the house. Use a clay-type soil that sheds water instead of sandy soil that allows water to soak into the ground. Make sure that at least eight inches is kept between the top of the earth and any wood or stucco on the house.
That small crack in your basement wall could be the first sign of a serious foundation problem. Left untreated, not only will the crack probably get larger, it could lead to the collapse of your foundation wall. Uneven settlement means one part of your home might end up higher or lower than another part and it too will cause cracks in your basement floor, foundation wall or in the structure of your home.
Cracks in the floor or the space left where the floor meets the wall (called the cove joint) rarely, if ever, leak as long as the sump system and draintile system are working properly. On occasion, the cove joint can show signs of moisture in areas a great distance from the pump or in alcoves or bays. This joint can be injected with urethane and, when cured, stall the water long enough to allow it to drain. This is assuming the draintile is not blocked. Cracks in the floor should never leak. If water is coming up through floor cracks, the pump may not be working or the draintile has a blockage.
What distinguishes a minor crack from a major problem? The key often is the amount of wall movement. Any movement over 1/2 inch signals a potentially serious problem. Any long horizontal crack at the second or third mortar joint, under the top block or over the bottom block, combined with step cracks and inward movement, indicates a problem. While step cracks near windows and corners often are not serious, if they are combined with floor cracks, shear or vertical cracks, you should be concerned.
Most builders would agree that water leaking into the basement is a common warranty issue. Homeowners and builders are continually looking for ways to utilize every square inch of potential living space. As a result, basements are frequently being converted into useable space. Thus, designing to keep basements dry is more important than ever.
Does your yard or the land around your home slope away from your home? It should. Look for any depressions in the ground next to the home foundation walls. If any are found, fill in with dirt so the water drains away from the house. Use a clay-type soil that sheds water instead of sandy soil that allows water to soak into the ground. Make sure that at least eight inches is kept between the top of the earth and any wood or stucco on the house.
About the Author:
Learn more about Barrie Professional Home Inspections. Stop by www.angusrealestateagents.info site where you can find out all aboutProfessional Angus Realtors and what they can do for you.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment