When it comes to foundation cracks, homeowners sometimes think of the damage in more of a one-size-fits-all way. However, all foundation cracks are not the same, nor do they arise for the same reasons. It's crucial you understand what type of break you have on your hands before you move forward with repairs.

Horizontal Cracks

If you see a horizontal crack in your foundation, schedule a repair right away. The foundation provides structural support for a building. However, when the foundation is split in half, due to one of these cracks, the overall structural integrity of your home can also be divided in half. 

To keep your home safe, you need 100% foundation support. Poor drainage is most often the culprit behind this type of damage. When a home does not have appropriate drainage measures in place, water will pool around the foundation. As the water pools, it saturates the soil. 

The moister the soil becomes, the more it expands. Eventually, the enlarged water-soaked soil starts to press against the foundation, which can ultimately cause it to crack under pressure. Your priority should be to repair the foundation if you experience this scenario. However, to avoid a repeat repair, make sure you address the drainage issues around your house immediately afterward. 

Vertical and Stair-Step Cracks 

Vertical and stair-step cracks do not look the same; however, the culprit behind this type of damage is often the same. Both of these types of cracks are generally a response to soil settlement, which is another way of saying the ground is shifting. 

Soil settlement can occur for a variety of different reasons, including poor foundation installation and natural foundation settling. Vertical and stair-step cracks don't have the same immediate repercussions as a horizontal crack, in terms of integrity, but it's still important to have them repaired as soon as possible.  

An important thing to remember about these types of cracks is that it's very easy for water to seep in between them, given their up-and-down style. The more water that gets in through the foundation, the higher the risk of further damage and the more at risk you are for moisture problems in your home, especially if you have a basement.

Always rely on a professional to assess exactly what type of crack you have in your foundation. Only a professional can provide you with the accurate information necessary to perform the necessary repairs. 

Contact a company like Saber Concrete Repair for more information.