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A Look at the Different Types of Foundation Crack Patterns

Residential foundations can exhibit problems in the form of crack patterns. Different types of settling and other foundation issues often exhibit themselves with vertical, stair-step, or horizontal cracks. Different types of crack can indicate what kind of foundation issue your home may be facing, and in turn what types of foundation repair you will need.

Stair-Step or Diagonal Cracks
Among the most common types of foundation cracking are stair-step or diagonal cracks. These often exhibit themselves in masonry, following the mortar between bricks. These cracks often point to a portion of the foundation, such as a corner, that is settling or sinking in relation to the rest of the slab or blocks. Expansive soils are one of the main causes of both settling and heaving, and the cause is almost always moisture-related. Too much or too little water in the soil can cause it to expand or shift away, and your foundation will follow. Many types of block foundations can have minor cracks that are not of major concern, but if you do notice a new crack or one that appears to be expanding, contact a foundation repair specialist.

Vertical and Horizontal Cracks
Large vertical cracks are a sign of a serious problem. There are several different types of vertical cracks, and they can mean different things depending upon your foundation material. Smaller, hairline vertical cracks can happen directly after building a home due to initial settlement. While it is still a good idea to have a professional inspect any foundation cracks, these cracks are generally minor. Wide cracks, especially with varying widths at the top or bottom, point to serious issues that need to be seen to immediately.

Horizontal cracking low on a foundation wall, visible in a basement or crawlspace, indicates that the pressure of the soil is causing foundation to buckle inward, and may indicate an impending collapse. These types of cracks will require repair and the foundation itself will need shoring or support.

It’s important to have your foundation inspected at the first sign of cracking in order to distinguish what type of foundation movement is occurring. Shrinkage, expansion, and settlement all have different repair approaches. United Structural Systems can analyze your foundation and provide the right residential foundation repair measures that solve your current problem while providing preventative care. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at (615) 227-2275 to schedule an inspection.

Learn More About United Structural Systems by Following These Helpful Links

Learn more about encapsulating your crawlspace and what it can do for your home and why a rapid response to any foundation cracks can help keep your home safe by visiting the pages below.

• Examine this professional article from NIH.gov to understand how fungal spores and other pollutants from crawlspaces can contaminate indoor air.
• Head to HowStuffWorks.com to get an idea of why homes can settle and eventually experience foundation damage.
• This article from HouseLogic.com can help you understand foundation problems, such as cracking and settling.
• Check out this page from ThisOldHouse.com to understand how a sealed crawlspace can be more resistant to moisture.

Contact United Structural Systems of Nashville at (615) 227-2275 to learn more about what we can do to help protect your home's foundation and crawlspace.

The Benefits of Encapsulating Your Crawlspace

For many homeowners, their crawlspaces are out of sight and out of mind. The fact of the matter is that an unprotected crawlspace can be responsible for poor indoor air quality, structural issues with your home, and a loss in energy efficiency. About half of the air inside your home can come up from your crawlspace. With an exposed crawlspace, this means you and your family are subject to unwanted moisture, indoor air pollutants, and pests. Protect your family and your home by encapsulating your crawlspace.

Exploring the Issues
Your crawlspace often houses your plumbing and heating ductwork. Because this space is unheated and exposed to the ground and outside, it has a direct impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Moisture is another large problem that comes from crawlspaces with too much ventilation and ground exposure. Excess moisture can allow mold spores to flourish in the crawlspace and eventually enter your HVAC system and your home.

Moisture in the crawlspace can also compromise the integrity of your home's frame, especially with wood flooring. In the past, it was suggested that crawlspaces be ventilated similar to your attic in order to promote the release of heat and moisture. It has been found that sealed crawlspaces actually perform better in terms of energy efficiency and help protect homeowners against unwanted moisture and pollutants.

Crawlspace Encapsulation
Enclosing a crawlspace is a thorough process that provides strict moisture control, keeps out pests, and eliminates pollutants. Additionally, a clean, encapsulated crawlspace can also be used as an extra storage area that homeowners can trust is protected. Sealing a crawlspace involves a complete cleaning, follow by the installation of a custom vapor-barrier material that entirely seals your crawlspace.

United Structural Systems can help you take control of your crawlspace once and for all. Visit us online to learn more about our crawlspace encapsulation process, or call us at (615) 227-2275 to schedule a consultation. For the best crawlspace and foundation repair in Nashville, look no further than United Structural Systems.

Clean Gutters to Avoid Costly Repairs

Healthy gutters are an important part of keeping your foundation in good condition. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis can help ensure that water is directed safely away from your home. Clean gutters can also keep your roof from leaking. Cleaning your gutters once or twice a year is typically adequate, depending upon where you live and how many trees you are near your home.

To clean your gutters, you will need access to your roof. Use a sturdy ladder and gloves to protect your hands, and then use something to collect leaf debris from inside the gutters. You may want to use a garden hose to flush out the gutters when you are done. Always practice good ladder safety. Collect debris into a bucket are back and then flush the gutters with the hose. For more tips on how to keep your gutters clean, take a look at this informative video.

To learn more about protecting your home's foundation and basement, contact United Structural Systems of Nashville at (615) 227-2275. As the leading foundation repair company in Tennessee, United Structural Systems offers a level of expertise that is unmatched. Call us today to learn how we can help.

Respond Swiftly to Foundation Cracks & Protect the Value and Integrity of Your Home

Your home only has one foundation, and it needs to be protected throughout the life of your property. At the first sign of one or more cracks in the foundation of your home, it's important to contact a professional residential foundation repair service. Continue reading to learn more about the nature of residential foundation cracks and why time is of the essence when contacting a foundation repair company. 

• Homes naturally settle over time – Home settle and adjust over time as the result of temperature changes that affect the conditions of the soil, excessive moisture, and other natural causes. It's not a bad idea to inspect your foundation and basement at least once per year to monitor any such settling, as a foundation problem can go from a minor annoyance to a severe issue without quick action.
• Foundation damage impacts the value of your home – Aside from the risk of severe structural damage, a home with foundation problems is highly undesirable to potential buyers. Even if you don't plan on moving, the value of your home can be lowered the next time you have your property assessed. You may even be in violation of local building codes if foundation cracks are present.
• Unattended foundation problems grow worse – The problem with a not entirely sound foundation is that it has the potential to give at any moment. Cracks or faults in the foundation may shift over a few years’ time, gradually widening, or they can cause a catastrophic failure of your home's structure that can bring down everything you’ve built in an instant.
• Foundation repairs are multifaceted – A quality foundation repair company will address any issues with your home’s foundation as well as the underlying causes and symptoms. This includes basement wall repairs and waterproofing that can help protect your foundation from further damage in the future. Vertical supports can also be installed to add strength to your home's structure.

If you are experiencing foundation problems and require timely and professional services, contact United Structural Systems at (615) 227-2275. We can help repair your Nashville home in the event of vertical or lateral settlement as well as other foundation issues.