Page 17 - Your Home Your Way

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 • YOUR HOME YOUR WAY • THE BRANDON SUN 17
Foundation cracks: when to worry

The best way to ensure aren’t conti nuing to expand.
a crack in your foundation Thin cracks can be filled with
doesn’t threaten the structur- grout, and slightly wider ones
al integrity of your home is should be filled with a caulk
to consult an expert. How- that’s compatible with con-
ever, some general guidelines crete.
can help you determine if you
have a serious problem. WIDE CRACKS
Any crack that’s wider
HAIRLINE CRACKS than half an inch should be
Concrete shrinks slightly inspected by a professional. In
as it cures, and hairline cracks particular, those with a bulge
(about the width of sewing may indicate structural prob-
thread) are a normal result lems. Additionally, a crack in
of it settling. They pose no your foundation that’s hori-
structural threat and tend zontal rather than vertical or
to appear within a year of diagonal presents more of a
construction. How ever, you risk.
should take steps to patch If you have wide cracks,
them. horizontal cracks or cracks
that can’t be classified as hair- ly to be a serious problem. that are getting worse, be sure
NARROW CRACKS line but are no wider than a However, this is only the case to call a foundation contractor
Vertical or diagonal cracks quarter of an inch are unlike- if the cracks are stable and or structural engineer.