Concrete Foundation
Any good structure needs a solid foundation; it is the most important part of its construction. San Jose Concrete Pros are here to help you achieve this. With a properly laid foundation, your structure will last longer and be more durable, increasing the lifespan and lowering the maintenance needed to keep the structure in good condition.
The types of concrete foundations
There are many different types of concrete foundations. The most commonly used include the T-shaped foundation, which is a traditional method to support a structure or area. Generally, a footing is placed below the foundation, with the walls above that. The footing is wider than the wall to provide extra strength to the structure. The second type of foundation is a slab on grade foundation. Slab on grade is a single slab of concrete that is a few inches thick. This is usually implemented where the ground does not freeze. The slab, which is poured thicker towards the edges, forms an integral footing. This usually rests on a bed of gravel to assist with drainage.
Cracks in your foundations
Over time, your foundation may begin to crack These cracks can come in a variety of different sizes and shapes. It is not uncommon for small cracks to form in the first year of your construction. These are largely due to the foundation settling into the ground. These kinds of cracks are not a cause for concern and will cause you no issues. If these cracks begin to grow and allow for water to seep in, you will need to call an expert straight away to prevent further damage and costly repairs. If you are unsure about any cracks it is advised to monitor them and measure if they increase in size over time with pencil markings to be sure.
Is your foundation beyond repair?
Fortunately, most foundations can be repaired and there are very few issues that may be beyond repair. A foundation is deemed in need of replacement when the investment to repair the foundation is greater than the value it adds to the home. Cracks that change direction, Bulging walls due to external water pressure, vertical cracks that are wider at the top than at the bottom, and any wide cracks are a few symptoms of a foundation in need of repair. If any of these issues occur you must contact a professional right away.
Types of foundation cracksÂ
There are many reasons cracks in your foundation could occur and, more often than not, they are not a cause for immediate concern. Here are a few types of cracks to look out for to determine the severity. Vertical and diagonal foundation cracks are the most common type of cracks found. This is largely due to normal foundation settling. This is because the concrete shrinks while it is in the curing process. Horizontal foundation cracks often indicate a more serious problem; these are often caused by water pressure from the outside of the walls. This type of foundation crack can lead to foundation failure and will need to be repaired as soon as possible. Contact San Jose Concrete Pros as soon as you notice these issues so that we can conduct repairs before a complete replacement is needed.
