Cracks in the Foundation of Your Marietta, GA Home Might Be a Sign of a Bigger Problem
If you’ve noticed cracks in the foundation of your Marietta, Georgia home, you’ll want to address them right away. That’s because even cracks that are small and seem harmless can still grow into big problems.
There are a wide variety of reasons why cracks show up in a foundation. For instance, if the soil that’s supporting a home or building shrinks, settles, or expands, it can cause the foundation above it to shift, therefore leading to cracks. Other causes of cracks include an inadequate plumbing system, drought or extreme heat, and periods of torrential rain. To get a better idea about what’s causing fissures in your foundation, consider whether the cracks in your home fall into any of these categories:
- Vertical cracks – These cracks are fairly common and don’t usually indicate a structural issue. However, they can allow water to seep into a home’s foundation and into the house itself, so we encourage you to get them repaired.
- Horizontal cracks – Unlike vertical cracks, horizontal cracks can be quite dangerous and can cause walls to bow inward. If you notice these cracks at your Marietta home, contact a foundation contractor immediately.
- Hairline cracks – While finding these barely-noticeable cracks in your foundation may not indicate a structural problem, they should be closely monitored.
- Stair-step cracks – These cracks get their name for following the pattern of stair steps. They typically indicate that the foundation in a home is shifting, possibly due to soil settlement. If you notice that these cracks are wider than 1/4 inch or that your walls are beginning to bow, we encourage you to get your home inspected by a foundation contractor.
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to properly analyze any cracks in a foundation, which is why the best option is to contact Engineered Solutions of Georgia and schedule a complimentary onsite consultation for your Marietta, GA home.
