Your home can exhibit various symptoms in response to different stresses from the expansive soil in York. We’ll discuss the typical warning signs below, along with an explanation of how and why they form.
Foundation Cracks
Most foundations have cracks in them, but not all fissures indicate structural problems or necessitate costly repairs. You can often use the location of the crack to determine if the issue is cosmetic or representative of a deeper problem.
Basement Floor Cracks
Cracks can be found in most concrete slabs and crawlspace or basement floors. Thin fissures result from the settling process that occurs in the first few years following construction, and they usually shouldn’t be cause for concern. Most foundation repair companies recommend sealing them to keep water out, but the repair process is generally affordable and straightforward.
However, if floor cracks widen beyond ⅛”, continue to grow after the natural settling period, or have one side that sinks below the other, it can be a severe problem. These wider or uneven cracks often develop in response to differential settling, a common occurrence in York. They should be repaired by a professional immediately, as they can cause total foundation failure.
Vertical Wall Cracks
Wall cracks that run vertically on your concrete block walls are also usually harmless and don’t suggest structural problems. These are considered settling cracks, and a simple polyurethane or epoxy sealant is often enough to constitute a full repair.
Horizontal Wall Cracks
Cracks that are oriented in a horizontal position on your crawlspace or basement wall are more severe, as they form when expansive soil adds more pressure to your foundation than the walls can resist. The upper portion of the wall typically leans inward to relieve the stress, leaving the structure above without the support it needs. These cracks generally require structural repair.
Stair-Step Wall Cracks
Stair-step wall cracks form in the shape of stairs along the mortar joints between the concrete blocks when a portion of your foundation loses support from the earth below. As such, they indicate differential settling and often mean that your foundation’s structural integrity has been compromised. They’re typically coupled with uneven floor cracks or sloping basement floors.
Bowing Foundation Wall
Hydrostatic pressure from the expansive soil in York can build and eventually lead to horizontal cracking. Before the wall gives way to the stress, it tends to bow inward slightly. Bulging foundation walls are, therefore, typically a precursor to horizontal cracking and structural damage. The repair before a fissure forms is often cheaper, so immediate attention is necessary to mitigate repair costs and property damage.
Wet Basement or Moisture Build-Up
The expansive soil, frequent rainfall, and risk of flooding in York all contribute to the likelihood of moisture and water issues under your home.
When runoff interacts with your concrete, it can soak through cracks or seep through pores in the foundation via capillary action. Liquid water or water vapor can then accumulate in your crawlspace or basement.
If liquid water enters through foundation cracks, you may notice water dripping through visible gaps, water puddling on the floor, standing water, or water damage to insulation, sheetrock, or other building materials.
Runoff that enters through concrete pores typically evaporates into the air under your house, so it can be more challenging to identify. Common signs of moisture build-up include efflorescence on the concrete walls, mold growth and the resulting musty smells, noticeably damp air, and pest infestations.
Severe moisture problems affect your living space as well if the humid air or mold spores seep into your upper floors. Excessively high utility bills, allergic reactions, and intolerable hot or cold temperatures in your home can all indicate that you have a moisture issue in your crawlspace or basement.