Crack in Foundation Walls

Foundation wall cracks are a problem you shouldn’t ignore. Over time, cracks get bigger and threaten your home’s entire framework, risking your family’s safety.

DIY products from the hardware store provide temporary relief but don’t address the cause of foundation wall cracks, meaning cracks will reappear. So, how do you solve this issue?

Matvey Foundation Repair tackles both the symptoms and source of foundation wall cracks. Serving homeowners across greater Seattle for over 27 years, we protect your property and preserve its value.

What Are Cracks in Foundation Walls?

Cracks appear in foundation walls due to fluctuating soil conditions and other factors. They often start small and widen over time, allowing water to enter your home and cause damage. Larger cracks also lead to issues like bowing, tilting, or buckling walls.

Identifying foundation wall cracks early protects your home’s structure and avoids more expensive repairs in the future.

What Causes Cracks in Foundation Walls?

Foundation wall cracks occur for various reasons:

Concrete Shrinkage

When poured concrete cures, it shrinks slightly and creates tiny cracks in walls. However, these cracks don’t pose much risk to your home.

Foundation Settlement

Foundations often settle if the soil beneath them compacts or shifts. When this happens, significant cracks appear that require professional repairs.

Clay Soils

Clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, putting pressure on foundation walls and causing cracks. Eventually, these walls buckle or tilt inward.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Heavy rain or snowmelt saturates the soil and causes hydrostatic pressure, resulting in wall cracks. Inadequate drainage makes this problem worse.

Poor Construction

Mistakes made during foundation installation, such as weak steel reinforcement, also contribute to wall cracks.

Identifying Cracks in Foundation Walls

Recognizing the signs of foundation wall cracks prevents further deterioration of your home. Seattle homeowners should look out for the following:

• Vertical cracks
• Horizontal cracks or stair-step patterns
• Cracks larger than a 1⁄4 of an inch
• Cracks with rust stains from exposed rebar
• Other problems like floor gaps, uneven floors, and sticking doors and windows 
• New cracks or widening cracks

Can You Fix Cracks in Foundation Walls?

Yes, but simple crack fillers from the hardware store won’t prevent them from returning. You need a repair solution that tackles the source of the problem.

Matvey Foundation Repair offers just that. After determining the cause of damage, we install wall anchors, wall braces, and other custom-engineered products that stabilize your foundation for good. 

How We Fix Cracks in Foundation Walls

Our team uses the following when repairing foundation wall cracks:

Wall Anchors

Our wall anchors fix cracks caused by clay soils or hydrostatic pressure.

We install these anchors into the ground outside your home and connect them to steel rods running through your foundation wall. Tightening the rods counteracts external pressures that result in cracks and bowing.

Wall Braces

Our wall braces are ideal for cramped spaces with limited exterior access. They close cracks, stabilize walls, and even straighten them.

Foundation Piers

If you have settlement cracks, our foundation piers are the best solution. We use these products to stabilize and potentially lift sinking areas, which closes existing cracks.

Drainage

Finally, our interior drainage system prevents hydrostatic pressure—one of the leading causes of wall cracks. It channels groundwater to a sump pump and redirects it from your home.

All our solutions come with long-term warranties.

Why Address Foundation Wall Cracks Now?

Swift action prevents these problems:

• Cracks encourage water intrusion and soil shifting.
• Expanding cracks jeopardize structural integrity.
• Doors and windows stick together as walls shift out of alignment.
• Uneven settling due to cracks causes floors and ceilings to slope.
• Walls lean, buckle, and even collapse if you put off repairs.

Seattle Trusts Matvey Foundation Repair for Foundation Wall Crack Repair

Cracks in Foundation FAQs

Can foundation wall cracks affect my home’s value?

Cracks in your foundation wall indicate structural damage, which makes it challenging to sell your property in the future. Investing in repairs preserves your home’s worth in the future while you safely live in it.

How long does it take to repair foundation wall cracks?

It depends on your foundation’s size and the cracks’ severity. After inspecting your home, our team will give you an accurate time estimate.

Will my insurance pay for foundation wall repairs?

Your homeowners’ insurance might cover the cost, so check with your provider. If not, we offer various financing options.