The underlying causes of foundation issues in Renton create varying symptoms in homes in the area, so not all damages will look the same. Below, we’ll discuss the typical symptoms you’ll see in Renton foundations and homes, and we’ll provide some insight into the likely culprit.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks form in most home foundations and don’t unilaterally indicate structural problems. In fact, some fissures are entirely harmless and don’t necessitate repair. The position and width of the gap will often help determine how severe the issue is.
Basement Floor Cracks
Many homeowners in the Renton area find cracks in their crawlspace or basement floor. These gaps typically spread out in a web pattern across the slab, and they’re among the most common of the foundation crack types.
Hairline cracks in the concrete floor form during the foundation’s natural settling process in the first several years after new construction. Crack repair typically just consists of applying an epoxy or polyurethane sealant to keep water out.
Wider or unlevel floor cracks suggest a more significant problem with differential settling. These types of gaps will often need structural repair as well as sealing.
Vertical Foundation Wall Cracks
Cracks on your concrete block walls in a vertical position are also usually from concrete settling. They are relatively harmless and just require sealing to prevent water from seeping through them and collecting in the space under your home.
Horizontal Foundation Wall Cracks
When the hydrostatic pressure from the expansive clay soil in Renton becomes too intense for your foundation walls, horizontal cracks appear to relieve the stress.
These fissures are symptoms of severe structural damage, so you should have a foundation repair company intervene as quickly as possible to limit the structural problems in your house.
Unfortunately, horizontal wall cracks are prevalent in Renton because of the soil composition, above-average rainfall, earthquakes, and landslides.
Stair-Step Cracks
Foundation cracks that form in a stair-step pattern on your crawlspace or basement walls usually signify differential settling. The portion of the wall below the crack is likely sinking into the earth more rapidly than the rest of your foundation, which can eventually create significant structural damage. These gaps require costly stabilization and potential preventative measures to stop future settling.
Bowing Foundation Walls
Foundation problems typically start small and worsen over time. This is true of horizontal cracks caused by mounting hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil, so you may notice inwardly bowing walls in your crawlspace or basement before they form. Concrete block walls that aren’t plumb are good indicators of problems with drainage and expansive soil that could lead to structural instability.
Moist or Wet Basement or Crawlspace
The risk of water intrusion and moisture build-up under your home in Renton is very high, primarily because of the above-average rainfall and the expansive soil’s tendency to hold the moisture against your concrete. Water and water vapor typically enter your home through foundation cracks and pores in the foundation.
If liquid water is entering your under-home area, you may notice standing water, water dripping in through cracks in the concrete, wet spots on the floor or walls, and water damage to construction material or items in storage under your house.
Water vapor evaporates into the air and increases the humidity in your crawlspace or basement, so it can be more challenging to identify. You may find noticeably heavy or moist air beneath your home, efflorescence or staining on the concrete walls, mold growth, musty odors, and insects or rodents living in the space.
The air from under your house can seep up into your living space via a process called the stack effect, so you may find symptoms of water intrusion or moisture build-up upstairs as well. Common signs include air that feels unusually hot or cold, above-average utility bills, and allergy symptoms from airborne mold spores.