Normal House Settling Cracks
While all houses experience some settling uneven downward movement is what creates problems that catch the attention of homeowners.
Normal house settling cracks. Analyze the direction of the crack. Foundations tend to settle a little overtime however if there is too much settlement damage may occur to the foundation and house. Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house settling that can quickly inexpensively be remedied by re taping the joints the seams. In this episode we discuss house settling vs foundation problems and what s considered normal house settling how long it lasts for and when to actually worry.
Other times it s important to take action. In most cases normal foundation settling will be unnoticeable to the homeowner. Expansion joints are used to control where and how these settlement cracks occur and are a perfectly normal part of the settling in process of a new building on its foundations. Poor soil causes settlement.
Vertical and horizontal cracks in drywall or plaster walls typically indicate drying and shrinkage which is normal after construction. Homeowners and buyers should know what to look for and when it s serious. Settling refers to the downward movement of a house from its original position. Settling cracks can often just be lumber shrinkage cracks in new homes.
Cracks in your drywall or plaster interior walls could be the result of your house settling which could come from the foundation or may be the result of earth movement according to gregg cantor. Sometimes there s no reason at all to worry. House settling cracks tips. True settlement cracks tend to get larger over time.
According to almost home stair step cracks in cinder block foundation walls usually found in unfinished basements are a result of soil settling beneath the center of the wall. Settling may cause damage to a house but some settlement can be prevented or reduced. House settling cracks come in all types and sizes. Settlement cracks that occur at expansion joints as shown in the photo are occurring where they are supposed to.
Jagged cracks stair step cracks and 45 degree angle cracks generally signify structural movement or settling issues that are occasionally serious but usually harmless.