top of page
Examples of
Foundation Damage
VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL CRACKS
The presence of both vertical and horizontal cracks in the foundation can indicate a combination of horizontal “twisting” and lateral forces pushing on the foundation wall from the outside.
CRACK IN FOUNDATION AT GARAGE
Crack in the foundation at the garage. A variety of factors can cause cracks in concrete. Cracks in the foundation do not necessarily mean that there are structural problems.
DIAGONAL CRACK AT BASEMENT WINDOW
Hairline cracks above basement windows can be common and do not always mean that there are structural problems. However, this particular crack has gotten longer over time, so it is of some concern and needs continued monitoring.
FOUNDATION CRACK ON INTERIOR IN BASEMENT
Vertical crack on the interior of the basement. Other factors aside from foundation movement can cause cracks in concrete. All cracks should be monitored for the increase in size and width over time.
CRACK MONITORING IS IMPORTANT
Foundation cracks are often visible on the exterior of the foundation. A crack that gets wider with time indicates foundation movement.
HAIRLINE FOUNDATION CRACK
It is important from homeowners to inspect their foundation periodically for any cracks or damage.
STAINS FROM WATER
Stains from previous water intrusion can be visible on the foundation wall.
DIAGONAL FOUNDATION CRACK AT BASEMENT WINDOW
Cracks at the corners of basement windows can be caused by shrinkage of the concrete during curing or temperature factors. It is important to monitor these types of cracks for an increase in length and width.
BASEMENTS
Cracks on foundation wall and slab-on-grade floor in basement can be common.
CRACK DUE TO HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT
Severe foundation damage caused by underlying soil problems.
FOUNDATION CRACK ABOVE WINDOW
Hairline cracks above basement windows can be common, and do not always mean that there are structural problems.
FOUNDATION CRACK ON EXTERIOR
Foundation crack on the exterior of the foundation. This crack was previously observed to be a hairline crack but has become worse over time.
RUST ON WINDOW WELL
Rust on a window well indicates excessive moisture in the soil around the foundation, typically caused by drainage problems on the exterior. Drainage problems should always be mitigated before any repairs on the structure are started.
SPALLED FOUNDATION WALL
Spalled concrete on the exterior of the foundation.
STAINING AND DETERIORATION
Drainage low point where the water has stained and deteriorated the concrete surface of the foundation wall. This type of damage is typically caused by sulfate in soil.
CRACKING AND WATER STAINING
Diagonal crack at bottom right basement window and water staining at floor corner.
MOLD ON DRYWALL
Mold in the basement is caused by moisture from water intrusion by way of drainage problems on the exterior, waterline leaks, or a non-functioning foundation dray system. Any drainage, waterline, or foundation drain repairs should be conducted prior to mold mitigation and cosmetic repairs.
WATER INTRUSION AT WATER LINE
Water from drainage can infiltrate a waterline trench at the water meter and travel along the water line through the wall penetration into the basement or crawlspace interior.
ERODED FOUNDATION BACKFILL
Water infiltration into the soil around the foundation is evident by depressions in the ground along the wall.
SEEPAGE
Drainage problems on the exterior of the foundation can cause water intrusion into the basement.
FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT
Foundation settlement is evident by the stone veneer's downward crushing of the pipe.
MOISTURE AND STAINING
Drainage problems, waterline leaks, or a non-functioning foundation drain system can cause water intrusion into the basement or crawlspace. These problems need to be investigated by a professional engineer because any moisture can lead to mold growth.
WIDE VERTICAL FOUNDATION CRACK
A wide vertical crack in the foundation can indicate that the foundation has experienced movement in a manner that can be described as “twisting” by horizontal forces. Water seepage into the basement is common with this type of damage.
FOUNDATION CRACK
A professional engineer should be hired to evaluate cracks in a foundation.
PIPE PENETRATIONS
Vertical foundation crack above pipe penetration in the basement. A foundation wall can be weakened when the penetration is drilled through.
bottom of page