Cause of Cracks and Crack Repair options for Basements in Iowa

Basement wall cracks are often the first sign that your home has foundation settlement. They are caused by soil-related issues such as poor drainage around your home. If water doesn’t drain properly, it accumulates next to the foundation and creates soil expansion. This produces pressure against the foundation, leading to cracks throughout the basement. This also creates basement waterproofing issues such as water puddles and seepage. Homeowners shouldn’t have to live with basements cracks. At WCI Basement Repair, we can fix basement cracks for good. We’ll identify the problem, and provide an effective foundation repair solution for your Iowa home.

The first step to fixing basement cracks is to find the source of the problem before it gets worst. This will save you time and money in the long run. Since the soil around your home determines the stability of your home, it is important to maintain suitable soil conditions by keeping the moisture content consistent. Soil-related factors may include:

  • Soil erosion – caused by poor drainage and excess moisture
  • Soil expansion – caused by too much water from plumbing leaks or inadequate waterproofing
  • Evaporation – caused by too little moisture due to hot and dry weather conditions
  • Poor soil conditions that include debris and organics
  • Poor building site preparation
  • Poor ground preparation
  • Soil shrinkage – caused by maturing tree and shrub roots that dehydrate the soil

The soil around your foundation acts like a sponge. It changes due to moisture levels and fluctuating temperatures. During heavy rains, the soil expands and creates pressure against your basement walls . As a result, cracks and bowed walls are formed. During hot and dry weather conditions, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the foundation. This creates gaps and leaning foundation walls.

The warning signs of foundation settlement not only occur in the basement, they can be present around the home. Look for the following warning signs:

  • Leaning or tilting chimneys
  • Cracks in the brickwork
  • Cracks in the garage column
  • Misaligned windows and doors
  • Windows or doors that won’t close or open
  • Standing water around the foundation
  • Garage floor cracks

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact WCI today. We are the foundation repair specialists in Iowa. We’ll repair your settlement, before it gets worst.

Repairing basement cracks are not a DIY project. You need a professional to repair them. Our experts are trained and certified to identify any foundation problems and provide the best foundation repair solutions. We repair cracks by using the latest products on the market. These products include: foundation wall anchors, foundation push piers, foundation helical piers, and underpinning.

Causes of Cracks and Crack Repair Options for Foundations in Iowa

Foundation cracks are caused by inconsistent moisture levels in the soil around your foundation. Dry and hot weather conditions in Iowa cause the soil to shrink and shift. When this happens, you may notice settlement issues throughout the home, such as foundation cracks. Heavy rainfalls weaken the soil underneath the foundation which eventually leads to sinking and settling. Other foundation issues are caused by excess moisture that creates pressure against the walls. This produces leaning and bowing walls. If you have foundation cracks and other foundation issues, contact WCI Basement Repair today. We’ll change the soil conditions around your home to prevent and fix any foundation problems in Iowa.

It is important to know and understand the causes of your foundation issues, so you can prevent foundation failure. Some causes are due to:

  • Overloading
  • Poorly compacted soil
  • Inadequate waterproofing
  • Poor building site preparation
  • Poor drainage
  • Slope failure
  • Too little moisture

Settlement can affect all types of foundations ranging from slab on grad to pier and grade beam. Look inside and outside of the house for signs of settlement. Some signs may include:

  • Drywall cracks
  • Hard to open and close doors and windows
  • Floor cracks
  • Ceiling cracks
  • Horizontal cracks in the foundation
  • Concrete cracks
  • Stair-step cracks in brickwork
  • Vertical cracks
  • Bowing or leaning walls
  • Gaps around windows and doors
  • Tilting and leaning chimney

Don’t forget to check your crawlspace for cracks and settlement problems. Look for water intrusion, musty odors, insect infestations, and standing water. Excess moisture in the crawlspace may also cause buckling floors in the upper living area. Our team of experts can examine your crawlspace to determine if you have foundation failure.

To repair your foundation cracks, we offer quality helical piers, push piers and helical tiebacks. These foundation repair methods are designed to strengthen and support your foundation walls. Our products are made by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the leading manufacturer in the underpinning industry. We also offer crawlspace recovery to guard your crawlspace against mold, mildew, and water damage.

Don’t let foundation cracks decrease the integrity of your home. WCI Basement Repair will repair your basement and foundation cracks in Iowa to maintain the safety of your home. We have the experience, solutions, and skills to perform the highest level of basement and foundation repair for your Iowa home or business. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Category: Foundation Repair