Foundation Cracks in Oklahoma

Foundation cracks are a very common occurrence for buildings in Oklahoma, and usually are not a big deal. However, it is important to know when a foundation crack indicates structural dangers. Serious cracks can be a sign of foundation failure.

How Do Foundation Cracks form?

Most foundation cracks occur either because of settlement issues or because of soil pressure around your foundation. The expansive clay soil in Oklahoma shrinks rapidly when it is dry and expands when it is wet, causing movement in your foundation. This can eventually lead to cracks that can cause concern.

How To Know If You Have Foundation Problems

If you are concerned about your foundation crack, take a look around your home or business and search for other signs of foundation failure. Here are some that you should always be on the lookout for:

• Wall Cracks - Look for cracks in drywall or plaster that are jagged and run off at a 45-degree angle or, with block walls, cracks that follow a stair step pattern.
• Sticking Doors & Windows - Look for doors and windows that stick. This indicates that the frame has been thrown out of alignment due to foundation settlement
• Sloping and cracked floors- If there is a crack, see if one side is lower than the other. This is a sign that the foundation has shifted and moved.
• Water intrusion- Examine your basement or crawl space for water. If it is wet, this might mean there are cracks in your foundation.
• Bowing walls - If you have bowing basement walls, this is a sign that hydrostatic pressure is pushing against your walls.

Types of Foundation Cracks

• Vertical Cracks - These cracks are often caused by settlement-related issues. Hairline vertical cracks are common and often indicative of minor settlement that occurred early in the building's life. These, so long as they are not growing, do not amount to a serious foundation problem. Wider vertical cracks, however, are more concerning, especially if they are wider on the top or the bottom, which indicates significant foundation settlement. These cracks are generally not as common as horizontal cracks, however.
• Horizontal Cracks - Horizontal cracks are dangerous and almost always indicate structural problems. They are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. In serious cases, these can result in foundation walls failing. Even if they have a different cause, they should be inspected as the cracks are likely a sign of a weakened wall.
• Stair Step Cracks or Diagonal Cracks - Stair-step cracks in brick or block foundation walls or diagonal cracks in concrete foundation walls are a tell-tale sign of foundation movement, especially if they are a quarter-inch wide or more.
• Floor Cracks - Foundation settlement or heaving caused by active soils can stress slab foundation floors to crack, often with an elevation change between the sides of the crack.

If you have concerns about whether your foundation cracks are a serious structural issue or not, call the professionals at Foundation Repair Services (FRS) to come and examine them and see if you are in need of foundation repair. If we find that you do have foundation problems, we will offer you the best solution to repair them. The sooner foundation repair is done, the better. The longer the problem is ignored, the costlier it will be in the future.

Foundation Crack Repair Solutions in Muskogee, OK & Beyond

While foundation cracks can lead to other problems, the first step in repairing them usually should be repairing the problem that caused them in the first place. Unless the crack is merely a hairline vertical crack, fixing the crack without fixing the underlying issue will just lead to the crack reopening or, if the fix really holds, new cracks appearing adjacent to it.

If the crack is caused by ongoing settlement issues, foundation underpinning will likely be needed. With underpinning, piers are installed beneath the building's foundation. The building is raised back to level and then the weight of the building is then transferred onto the piers rather than merely the soil beneath the home that had caused the settlement issues to begin with.

If hydrostatic pressure is to blame, you might need to install a drainage system such as a French drain to direct the water away from your foundation to reduce the pressure being applied to the foundation walls or floor.

Looking for a Foundation Crack Repair Specialist Near Muskogee?

At the first sign of foundation problems in Muskogee, OK and the surrounding area, let the experts at PFRS examine your Oklahoma home. We will provide you with a written estimate and detailed description of what services need to be performed. Don't hesitate to contact us today!