When Heavy Rains Strike: Understanding Why Foundation Cracks Appear and How to Act Fast
Heavy rainfall can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when it comes to foundation integrity. There are two major ways rain can hurt your foundation: hydrostatic pressure and erosion. Understanding why these cracks appear and knowing how to address them quickly can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your home’s structural integrity.
Why Foundation Cracks Appear After Heavy Rainfall
When heavy rains fall, your foundation often becomes like a dam designed to hold back water. Sometimes, your foundation “wins” and keeps out the water- but the pressure still causes cracks to form in the walls or floor. The primary culprits behind post-rainfall foundation cracks include:
- Hydrostatic Pressure: As water accumulates, the pressure forming against your foundation walls increases. This is what’s referred to as hydrostatic pressure in our industry. The force of the pressure can cause foundation damage, as well as water intrusion.
- Soil Expansion and Contraction: Excessive rainfall saturates the soil, causing it to swell and exert increased pressure on the foundation walls. This expansion leads to foundation damage, including cracks and bowing walls.
- Erosion and Settlement: Uneven settling is often caused by erosion, when heavy rains wash away soil under one section of the foundation. After heavy rainfall, the soil beneath your home may become soft or erode. This causes parts of your foundation to settle or sink, leading to structural imbalance.
- Clay Soil Complications: This cycle of drought and rain is especially pronounced in regions of the United States, especially North Carolina, that feature a significant amount of clay in the soil. Soils like this are especially prone to expanding with water, sometimes increasing in volume by 10% after a substantial rain.
Types of Foundation Cracks to Watch For
Not all foundation cracks are created equal. Here’s what homeowners should look for:
Minor Cracks: A minor form of foundation damage that rain can cause is a small crack. This is minor damage because it’s not structurally significant. In fact, minor cracks that are less than one-eighth-inch wide are quite common in poured concrete foundations.
Structural Cracks: Every crack in your foundation or walls should warrant some concern, as they typically indicate foundation issues. Horizontal, diagonal, and stair-step cracks growing in width and gaps around windows and doors should be examined. Cracks accompanying bowing walls and uneven floors are of even more concern.
Warning Signs of Serious Issues: If the exterior walls of your foundation are starting to lean inward, you need to take action immediately. This is a clear indication that hydrostatic pressure is creating major foundation damage and you need an expert to evaluate your home ASAP.
How to Address Foundation Cracks Quickly
Time is of the essence when dealing with foundation cracks. Addressing them quickly can prevent water infiltration that can worsen them. Here’s your action plan:
Immediate Assessment
Rather than assuming the worst, start by monitoring any visible cracks for changes. Use a pencil to mark the ends of each crack and write down the date. Over time, this will help you determine whether the crack is stable or continuing to grow. This simple step also provides helpful information for professionals to accurately assess the situation.
Professional Repair Methods
Epoxy Injection: To repair horizontal foundation cracks, one of the most effective techniques is epoxy injection. This process bonds the concrete back together, restoring its original strength and structural integrity. Epoxies are used for structural reinforcements.
Polyurethane Foam: There are two main components of foundation crack repair and those are epoxy and polyurethane foams. The concept is to use a tool similar to a caulk gun to inject the material into the crack. The foam goes in as a liquid and then expands and hardens to fill the crack.
When to Call Professionals: The best way to ensure that a crack isn’t a sign of a major structural issue is to have a foundation contractor or structural engineer take a look at it. Professional intervention is crucial when dealing with cracks wider than 1/8 inch, horizontal cracks, or any signs of structural movement.
Prevention is Key
Many of the best ways to prevent foundation cracks involve keeping water away from the house. Make sure to keep drains, gutters, and downspouts clear of debris so water can’t pool near the foundation. If water tends to collect around the foundation during and after rainstorms even when your gutters and drains are clear, consider a landscaping makeover to regrade the yard.
Trust the Experts for Long Island Foundation Repairs
For homeowners on Long Island dealing with foundation crack issues, professional expertise makes all the difference. Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing has been serving the Long Island community since 2000, providing reliable solutions for wet basements and foundation cracks. For over 25 years, Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing has been the trusted name for masonry and waterproofing services. Anything from wet basements and foundation cracks to water damage, we’ve helped homeowners protect their homes with reliable solutions that last.
Whether you need immediate Foundation Crack Repair Suffolk County, NY or preventive waterproofing services, working with experienced professionals ensures your repairs are done right the first time. Our experienced team has been doing this for years, so you can trust us to make sure your home stays dry and secure. At Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, we’ve got the expertise to keep your foundation safe with the care, precision, and quality your home deserves.
Don’t Wait – Act Now
Regardless of the answer to all those issues, it’s in a building owner’s best interests to get cracks in a foundation repaired quickly and effectively. Foundation problems don’t improve with time – they only get worse and more expensive to fix. Foundation cracks weaken the strength of your home’s structure; they may start small, but they don’t stay that way.
If you’ve noticed new cracks in your foundation after recent heavy rains, don’t ignore them. Early intervention can save you thousands in future repairs and protect your family’s safety. Schedule a professional inspection to assess the situation and develop an appropriate repair strategy before the next storm season arrives.
Remember, your home’s foundation is literally what everything else rests upon. Your foundation is the base of your home. Everything is literally resting on top of it. Foundation repair is not an area for DIY experiments; you can cause serious harm to your home, its stability, and its value if you make a mistake. Invest in professional foundation crack repair to ensure your home remains safe, dry, and structurally sound for years to come.