A Crack is A Clue
Discovering a crack on the outside of your home can be unsettling. Before assuming the worst, let’s take a closer look. Think of this crack as a clue; understanding its cause is the first step toward choosing the right repair.
Exterior cracks can develop for several reasons. Stucco may shrink as it dries, and temperature changes can cause building materials to expand and contract. Movement in wood framing or installation issues can also contribute.
Foundation movement is another possibility. Changes in soil moisture, including moisture introduced by plumbing leaks, can affect the support beneath a home. However, a crack alone cannot establish its cause. When you first see a crack in a wall, we recommend you take the following steps.
Step 1: Start by Documenting It
Take clear photos of the crack, including a close-up and a wider view showing its location. Note the date and place a ruler beside it for scale. Keep these photos so you can compare its appearance over time.
Look for related changes around your home. Are doors or windows starting to stick? Do floors feel uneven? Have similar cracks appeared indoors? These observations can help a professional understand the bigger picture.
Step 2: Look Beyond The Crack
What else do you notice? If this isn't the first time you’ve noticed the crack, can you tell whether it has changed over time? If it has, document those findings, as they will help the professional during your assessment. It’s also important to discover if the crack is causing any windows or doors to stick. This could indicate the foundation has shifted. Finally, do you notice if the floors are uneven? Uneven floors are also a sign that the foundation needs repair.
Step 3: Examine the Surrounding Areas
Look for other clues, such as a recent spike in your water bill. A plumbing leak may be the root cause of the foundation issue and that will need to be address before you repair the foundation. It’s also a good idea to walk the perimeter of you home and look for other clues like large tree roots that may have started to grow under the home’s foundation.
Step 3: Call A Professional
Trusted Foundation Repair of Arizona offers free estimates to help homeowners understand foundation concerns and repair options.
Visit trustedfoundationrepair.net or call us at (602) 480-4180 to schedule yours.
Good foundation is built on trust.
