Foundation cracks in a house sometimes occur shortly after the building is constructed. They are a source of concern for many new homeowners. Are they right to be alarmed? This article demystifies the subject of cracks in new home foundations for you.
One foundation, two types of cracks
When it comes to cracks in the foundation of a new home, there are two main types of cracks.
Shrinkage cracks in new construction
Building materials contain a good proportion of water. The concrete floor, basement walls, plaster and wood of a new construction alone initially contain about 4,000 litres of water. Most of this water will evaporate during the first year of the building’s life. This means that these materials dry out during this period. Although normal, this drying can cause small cracks called shrinkage cracks.
These openings frequently appear under basement windows and above doors. But, these cracks can also occur in lowered places and in the center of walls if expansion joints have not been made.
When they appear on a poured concrete foundation wall, shrinkage cracks can be caused by poor mixing, curing too quickly, or inadequate steel reinforcement. Temperature fluctuations, which cause concrete to expand and contract, can also cause small cracks.
Generally speaking, repairing interior cracks on a concrete foundation does not require major repair work. At this point, you can wait a little longer before intervening until the foundation dries completely. Shrinkage cracks can be sealed easily to prevent water infiltration. To do this, a foundation crack contractor will inject a flexible polyurethane into the foundation to seal the openings. This technique guarantees the complete repair of the foundation.
Cracks caused by ground movement under the new house
The second type of crack that can appear on the foundation of a new house is explained by the movement of the ground. These cracks are often present in poured walls. Typically, they occur shortly after the construction of the building is completed.
Frost, clay soils or point loads are often the source of these abnormal cracks. Soil conditions and materials used will dictate the type of repairs to correct this problem. At this point, new home owners are right to be alarmed. To repair this type of foundation crack, the foundation of the building will need to be stabilized. At this point, major excavation work will need to be done. This work will usually be combined with waterproofing and subsoil drainage components to prevent the problem from recurring.
Putting an end to foundation cracks on new homes
New homes are not immune to cracks, nor are homes with older foundations. To maximize the lifespan of your home and to promote the health of the occupants, contact Groupe Fissure Expert. Its dedicated staff and state-of-the-art expertise will ensure or restore the integrity of your building’s structure.
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil and many other cities.