- The foundation of a home sits directly on the ground; so if the soil shifts, your foundation can too. Foundations sometimes do not shift as much as the soil underneath but instead sustain hairline cracks. Causes for soil shifting can be loss of moisture in the ground or problems in the preparation for laying a foundation. Soil that is not compacted well enough might not be as hard as it should be, increasing the risk of shifting. Soil can also shift due to frost conditions in the winter and the subsequent thawing during the spring.
- Concrete shrinkage can account for some foundation cracks. Concrete is a mixture of sand, gravel, cement and water. The University of Missouri recommends that 1 cubic foot of concrete be mixed with 6 gallons of water to retain its natural strength. Though all concrete does shrink minimally over time, the more water content in a mixture, the higher the risk of shrinkage. Large amounts of shrinkage can lead to cracks in the foundation.
- Your foundation may be more likely to crack if you live in a geographic area that experiences frequent and prolonged droughts. Drought conditions can dry out both the soil and concrete, leading to shifting and cracking. Cracks in the areas around a door or a window can be an indication that the dry weather is affecting your foundation.
- Watering the soil around your foundation can be a way to prevent cracking. If you already have cracks, fill them with waterproof caulking or filler before watering. Large cracks that threaten the safety of your home or cause leakage in the basement may require professional repair. The cracks will be filled, and additional supports may be installed in your home to reduce the stress put on the foundation.
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