Virginia Foundation Solutions
4.9 stars - 290 reviews
What Causes Foundation Cracks and How to Prevent Them

Have you ever noticed ground cracking around your house and wondered why is my foundation cracking? Foundation cracks can be alarming, but they are not uncommon. 

According to industry research, the global foundation repair services market is projected to grow steadily, reaching $3,500 million by 2033. With so many homes facing foundation issues, it’s crucial to understand what causes these cracks and how to prevent them.

Read this post to learn what causes foundation cracks, how to spot early warning signs, and how to protect your home. If you’re concerned about your foundation, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice and concrete foundation repair.

Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks

1. Poor Foundation Construction

One of the leading causes of foundation cracks is poor construction practices. When low-quality materials are used during the building process or the foundation is not laid correctly, cracks can form quickly. 

Builders must use the best possible materials for constructing a foundation. Weak or compromised materials make the foundation more prone to failure, which leads to cracking and other structural problems down the road. In some cases, foundations may settle unevenly due to improper construction, causing cracks to appear even in newer homes.

2. Soil Conditions During Construction

The type of soil beneath your house plays a significant role in the stability of your foundation. Before starting construction, proper soil testing is a must. 

In many regions of the U.S., homes are built on clay-rich soil, which can lead to foundation problems. Ground cracking around the house is often a visible symptom of shifting soil, and without proper soil compaction, foundations may settle, causing cracks to form as the soil shifts. 

3. Expansive, Heaving, or Consolidating Soil

Expansive soils, such as clay, are notorious for causing foundation cracks. When it rains, these soils absorb water and expand, pushing against your foundation. This pressure can cause the foundation to heave, leading to cracks. 

On the flip side, when the soil dries out, it contracts, creating gaps around the foundation and pulling it downward. Soil moisture levels can fluctuate throughout the year, meaning your foundation could experience cycles of heaving and settling.

4. Flooding and Excess Water

Flooding is another major factor contributing to foundation cracks. Heavy rainfall, storms, or melting snow can cause water to accumulate around your foundation. Without a proper drainage system, this excess water can seep into the foundation, weakening it over time. Water can also cause the soil around your home to shift, leading to cracks.

5. Plumbing Leaks

Water from plumbing leaks may seem harmless, but even a small leak can wreak havoc on your foundation over time. Leaks can cause the soil beneath your home to become saturated, leading to shifts in the foundation. Homeowners often wonder, why is my foundation cracking even when there are no visible water problems, but these hidden leaks can cause significant structural issues if left unattended.

6. Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged or improperly installed gutters and downspouts are often overlooked when it comes to preventing cracks in the foundation. When gutters overflow, water can pool near the base of your house, leading to foundation movement and cracking.

7. Inadequate Drainage System

Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation cracks. Without a proper drainage system, water can accumulate around your house, causing the soil to shift and leading to cracks. Basements and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, which can cause your foundation to shift and crack.

8. Evaporation Due to Hot Weather

Hot, dry weather can cause the soil around your house to dry out and shrink, pulling away from the foundation. As the soil shrinks, it may create gaps that cause your foundation to settle unevenly, leading to cracks. This is especially common in areas with long periods of heat and drought. 

9. Large Trees Near the Foundation

While trees add beauty to your home, planting large trees too close to your house can cause foundation issues. As the roots grow, they draw moisture from the surrounding soil, destabilizing the foundation and leading to cracks. Roots can even grow into the foundation, causing more significant damage over time.

Preventing Foundation Cracks

Now that we know what causes foundation cracks let’s discuss how to prevent them:

  • Regular Inspections: Check for small cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. Early detection can help prevent larger problems.
  • Gutter Maintenance: Keep your gutters clear and direct downspouts away from your home to ensure water flows away from your foundation.
  • Proper Drainage Systems: Install effective drainage systems like French drains or sump pumps to avoid pooling and direct water away from your home.
  • Manage Soil Moisture: Maintain balanced soil moisture levels by watering your lawn during dry spells and ensuring water doesn’t pool near the foundation during heavy rains.
  • Tree Placement: Plant trees at a safe distance from your home to avoid root intrusion.

For even more actionable tips on how to safeguard your foundation, check out our blog on Tips for Homeowners to Prevent Foundation Damage.

Could Foundation Cracks Be Affecting Your Home?

Have you noticed any cracks in your foundation? Are you worried that they might get worse over time? Cracks in the foundation of a house are not something to ignore. From poor construction to soil issues and water damage, many factors contribute to these cracks.

It’s crucial to take action early before a small crack turns into a significant problem. If you’re noticing cracks in the foundation of your house or suspect there’s a problem, contact us today. Our team specializes in concrete foundation repair, and we’re here to help you protect your biggest investment—your home.

Do you want to keep your foundation strong and secure for years to come? Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to us now!

Back to Blogs
Virginia Foundation Solutions-alt

Reviews

5/

Quality materials and workmanship. Matt answered all our questions, even after hours, and Miguel and his crew were efficient and resolved all issues immediately. A very satisfied customer.

Christopher
5/

Professional and courteous at all time. Crew was on site for 4 days in terrible weather and never missed a beat. Kept us informed, did what they planned and kept the areas near and clean. A really great crew.

Hal Luebke
5/

VFS crew did a wonderful job. They worked effectively together to complete our project. They used care in making sure our lawn was not ruined and they cleaned up their work area when completed.

Mary Routten
5/

Work was completed as promised. Purple crew was prompt, professional, and considerate of our home. Zero complaints

S House
5/

I highly recommend this company. They had the best price, quality work and it was completed on time, which is rare these days. It’s not easy so I commend the crew on their hard work!

Donald Marx
5/

Everything looks GREAT and the finished crawlspace was better than we expected. The RED crew did a great job and left the entire worksite cleaner than it was when they arrived.

Mike Shaffer
5/

We recently used VFS to install an interior french drain and sump pump in our finished lower level. The "purple crew" was assigned to our job and they were fabulous!!! They were timely, neat, respectful and hardworking. We are very happy with the job they did.

Howard Bloom
5/

The yellow crew (Willy, Marco, Oscar, and Patrick) were VERY professional and hard working. They kept us informed every step of the way. The clean up at end of the workday was exceptional. The best part is my foundation is fixed and our crawlspace is the cleanest crawlspace I have ever seen.

Scott Withdrew
5/

The workers were very professional, experienced and knowledgeable. They left the crawlspace with reinforced support beams. A supervisor checked their work in the afternoon.

Rick Ruscak
5/

VFS did a great job on our house’s foundation in double quick time and when they left our yard was cleaner and tidier than it was when they came! Thank you all. The masonry team also did a wonderful job. The damaged brickwork looks as good as new. Well done!

Alan Stephenson

Newport News

5/

We loved working with this company. All of the workers were friendly and helpful. They were very particular about their work and showed professionalism and organization. They did a great job; we are so thankful for their help.

Daphne Jonas

Poquoson

5/

Professional and kind staff, started on time, finished on time, good clean up, and next best bid was 40% higher using same materials. Highly recommend!

Ron Bianchi

Suffolk

5/

VFS was on time, clean, polite and thorough with good workmanship.

Lois Horton

Newport News

5/

Great customer service. Fantastic work under the house along with follow through to ensure everything was complete. Our Moisture and Termite inspector said it was the best "under house" inspection he'd done!

Larry Bianchi

Virginia Beach