Common Damage Issues that Require Foundation Repair in Valley City

Since your house is the biggest investment you will make in your life, discovering a crack in your home’s foundation is often a worrying sight, one that might make you think you need a foundation repair in Valley City. The truth of the matter is, not all cracks are created equal. While some do require immediate attention, others are milder and can be left alone for some time. The orientation of the crack can easily determine its severity. 

Vertical Cracks

Cracks that remain within 30 degrees of the vertical are the most common type of foundation damage and are the least severe. These are generally caused as the foundation settles, and as such, are often found even in new homes. Vertical cracks are the easiest to repair, as all that is typically needed is a urethane or epoxy material injected into the crack. This will tightly seal the crack and ensure it does not grow or reopen as the foundation continues to settle. 

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks in excess of 30 degrees but less than 75 degrees are another common crack homeowners encounter. Usually caused by a house having been built on slanted land, this crack occurs when the foundation settles unevenly. It will appear as a thin crack that is typically wider at one end than the other. Finding a diagonal crack is a good sign you will need a foundation repair in Valley City. What’s more, these cracks are more expensive to repair than vertical cracks, as the cause of the crack must also be addressed, lest the crack reopens or appears in different parts of the foundation.

Horizontal Cracks

The most damaging type of crack, horizontal cracks require an immediate foundation repair in Valley City, as they usually indicate damage to your home’s structural integrity. Caused by the constant pressure of shifting soil or by moisture contained in basement walls, horizontal cracks require extensive repairs that will involve reinforcing the foundation as a whole to secure it from further damage.