foundation cracks

Foundation Cracks are a Big Problem in Florida

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

Are you a Floridian homeowner facing foundation cracks? You’re likely surrounded by sunny skies and sandy beaches, but a hidden hazard lurks beneath the surface. Florida homes have unique challenges when it comes to foundation repairs, and these should not be ignored. 

foundation cracks

Foundation cracks can mean moisture, pests, mold, and many other threats that require immediate attention to keep your home safe and secure. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Florida foundation cracks need to be repaired, why and how they should be done, and the various benefits one can achieve from a successful foundation repair job. So put on your safety goggles and let’s explore why protecting your home from foundation cracks is a must-do.

Signs of Cracking and Damage in Florida Foundation

One key sign of foundation cracks is physical breaks in the concrete foundation itself, often coming in the form of long vertical or horizontal cracks, separations around pipe penetrations or window frames, or then some walls becoming noticeably twisted, bowing inwards or outwards. These depressions may cause tile floors to become uneven, creating unsightly ridges and other surface irregularities.

While these structural signs are clear indicators of possible foundation damage, there are also subtle indicators of cracking that are more difficult to spot. Doors may start to stick when opened or closed due to their jambs being misaligned and windows may start appearing crooked as well. 

Also, as structural cracks in foundation increase in severity, this can lead to additional problems such as compromised water sealing, allowing water runoff and saturated soil to move through the structure’s walls and floor slab; this can create a number of serious moisture-induced issues such as mold growth and wood rot.

The argument for performing foundation repair work sooner rather than later is compelling: having any necessary repairs done while they’re still minor and manageable will help keep major problems from occurring down the line and save homeowners vast amounts of money on further costly repairs on major damage that could have been avoided with earlier intervention. 

On the other hand, some might argue that if vertical foundation cracks are mostly aesthetic there’s no need to panic; however, given how much home values depend on structural soundness this kind of attitude could cost you far more in the long run than whatever you thought you’d save by waiting.

In order to make an informed decision about whether or not your home needs foundation repair work it’s absolutely essential that you know what signs of damage to look out for— which is where our next section comes into play. We’ll be looking at specific signs of cracking in walls and how they can be used to evaluate your home’s need for foundation repairs.

  • A study conducted by the University of Florida suggests that most cracks in walls, floors, and foundations come from water saturation or inadequate waterproofing measures.
  • The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training reports that even small foundation cracks can grow quickly due to issues such as continuously shifting soil and weather conditions which can result in major structural damage if left untreated.

Signs of Cracking in Walls

foundation stair step cracks

When inspecting your home, it’s important to look for signs of cracking in walls. Even if the damage seems minor, it is important to have a professional assess the extent of any cracks or other damage and provide repairs before further damage occurs. Foundation cracks can occur due to subsidence, settlement, or lateral movement – all of which can compromise the integrity of the home’s structure.

Loose or cracked mortar joints can be an indication that movement is occurring below the surface. Weakened foundations should be reinforced with steel columns and beams prior to interior wall repair. It is important to inspect your exterior walls or crawlspace regularly to make sure none of these signs are present.

In addition to loose or cracked mortar joints, doors, and windows may become misaligned as a result of soil shifts and foundation settling. If a door or window no longer fits securely within its frame and/or jams when opened/closed, it may indicate foundation problems beneath. If a door sticks at the top corner when opened, it could be a sign that soil has shifted causing the frame to become misaligned.

For issues affecting upper levels such as sagging ceilings, uneven floors and bowing walls, diagonal cracks forming from within corners are often indicative of structural issues. It is possible for water infiltration issues on high levels to cause cracking of interior walls too; if you see visible signs of excess moisture or staining in one area of your home it may be an indication that subterranean water leaks are causing instability and weakening load-bearing walls from beneath. 

Signs of Damage in Drywall

Heavy wear and tear on drywall is a common occurrence, particularly in areas prone to humidity, such as Florida. Several signs can indicate damage occurring in the drywall that should be inspected. One of the main clues that the walls have become weakened is if the paint has begun to bubble or blister. 

This can be caused by moisture entering through cracks and seeping into the drywall itself. Along with this, look for small cracks along corners or seams that may widen over time. In some cases, significant swelling may occur, caused typically by excessive moisture levels helping to expand any existing problems.

As important as it is to assess the condition of existing drywall before deciding on a course of action, it is equally essential to understand the underlying cause of foundation cracks in Florida in order to prevent similar issues from reoccurring in the future. The next section will discuss the various causes of existing foundation cracks in Florida and what homeowners should do about them.

Causes of Existing Foundation Cracks in Florida

Stair step cracks in the foundation can be a common problem faced by many homeowners in the state of Florida. The extreme and humid weather conditions, coupled with the sandy soils below the home’s foundation, are two of the most frequent causes of existing structural foundation cracks throughout Florida. When it comes to identifying what is causing your diagonal foundation cracks in Florida, you must look at both environmental and man-made factors.

Environmental factors that can lead to existing foundation cracks include long periods of rain or high amounts of moisture in the air that can saturate the soil around the house. The expansive properties of clay-based soil cause it to swell when wet and shrink as it dries. This can exert tremendous pressure on concrete, resulting in cracking and deteriorating foundations.

On the other hand, some pre-existing risks may have been created due to man-made activities such as poor construction practices on your property. Poor compaction of fill soils, incorrect placement of reinforcing steel bars in concrete walls or slabs, inadequate drainage systems, or use of too much water when making concrete are all examples of flawed construction practices that could potentially cause existing foundation cracks over time.

Given the multiple possible reasons why your home’s slab foundation or crawl space foundation may become cracked or damaged over time in Florida, it is becoming increasingly important to identify these issues quickly in order to help protect your home from further damage linked to moisture or water leakage. In the next section, we will discuss problems associated with moisture or water leakage due to existing foundation cracks in Florida.

Problems with Moisture or Water Leakage

Moisture or water leakage is a common problem caused by foundation cracks in Florida. While minor foundational cracks can usually be left unattended, more serious foundation cracks that cause leakage need to be repaired as soon as possible. When left untreated, any type of foundation crack can become a major source of moisture that threatens the structural integrity of any home, which means it needs immediate attention from a professional repair service.

It is important to understand the risks associated with poor drainage, moisture, or water leakage when it comes to protecting your home in Florida since timely action could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches down the line. 

Reasons to Repair Existing Foundation Cracks in Florida

Some people may ask are horizontal foundation cracks always bad? There are several reasons why existing cracks need to be repaired that go beyond simple aesthetic concerns. Proper repair of a crack will protect the integrity of the foundation and ultimately, protect the structure of the home.

foundation repair

One of the primary reasons for taking care of foundation repairs quickly is that they can lead to bigger problems with time. For example, a tiny crack in your roof isn’t hard to fix on its own – assuming you find it today – but if that same crack is left too long without repair, you may end up needing an entirely new roof later down the line due to water damage from that same crack. This goes for foundation cracks as well; fixing a minor problem today is far less expensive and intrusive than repairing major issues down the road.

It’s also important to repair any detected foundation cracks in order to ensure safety and livability for those inhabiting the residence. Structural foundations are responsible for holding the walls of a building together, so without proper attention to existing cracks, it’s possible that instability or wobbling could occur over time. You don’t want your house falling apart beneath you!

Above all else though, repairing existing foundation cracks is essential so that future damages can be prevented. Even if current damages seem minimal, some moisture may slowly seep into the building – creating an ideal environment for mold growth and in turn, health risks. What’s more, is that failing to adhere to necessary repairs may also lead to insurance claims being denied based on preventable damages by providing evidence showing neglectful behavior.

Although there are clear advantages of completing necessary maintenance on existing foundation cracks immediately, it can be equally beneficial for homeowners wondering when exactly they should hire someone for repairs and how much it will cost them financially speaking. Most people would agree, however, that in order to protect their home from further harm efficiently and economically – it only makes sense to take action sooner rather than later when it comes to such matters.

Protect the Structure of Your Home

The structure of your home is the foundation upon which its durability and longevity stand. Foundation cracks in Florida can have a devastating effect on your home’s structural integrity. That’s why it’s important to repair foundation cracks as soon as possible to protect the structure of your home against further damage.

Small vertical cracks may seem insignificant, but over time they can cause serious structural issues caused by continuous water seepage, causing foundation erosion or foundation settlement. Furthermore, if left unchecked these cracks could expand over time and become larger, creating even more problems with stability and foundation support.

Additionally, it may not be worth waiting until extensive damage has been done before addressing any potential foundation issues; catching them before they become bigger is much cheaper than replacing or rebuilding an entire foundation at once when things have already gotten worse. The cost associated with repairing a home’s foundation pales in comparison to the considerable costs related to rebuilding an entire structure because of severe damages.

It’s clear that repairs must be done in order to protect the strength and stability of a home’s infrastructure. Smaller issues should never be overlooked as a minor inconvenience – too often those repairs can turn into major projects if left unchecked for too long. Foundation repairs should not be taken lightly – consulting with experienced experts is recommended for accurate inspections and reliable solutions that can help preserve and protect your home from all types of weather-related issues, like floods or heavy rains common in Florida.

Repair Your Foundation to Protect Your Home

It is essential that homeowners in Florida take action to repair foundation cracks quickly and efficiently. While foundation repairs can be expensive and disruptive, they are necessary in order to protect the structure, safety, and overall value of one’s home. Many factors can cause foundation cracks and it is important to identify which type is affecting your property before taking any action for repair.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on foundation or sinkhole repairs in Florida. Our team of professionals is highly trained to fix any structural issue you may have after an initial inspection.