Should I Worry About A Hairline Crack In My Foundation?

Are You Observing a Thin Crack in Your Home’s Foundation?

If you’ve noticed a slender crack forming in your house’s foundation, you’re probably concerned about it and unsure of what to do. Below, we’ll provide you with additional details regarding hairline cracks in foundations, including their definition, formation process, and recommended actions.

Defining Hairline Cracks in a Home’s Foundation

Think of the width of a strand of hair, and you’ll have an idea of what a hairline crack looks like. These cracks are extremely narrow and maintain a consistent width throughout their length.
To determine if your foundation has a hairline crack, you can perform a simple “penny test.” Hold a penny against the crack, and if the penny’s edge is thicker than the crack’s width, then it is indeed a hairline crack.

The Formation of Hairline Cracks in Foundations

Several factors contribute to the creation of cracks in your home’s foundation:

• Soil moisture levels surrounding the foundation. The soil can shift, expand, and contract as it gains and loses moisture throughout the year. This movement can exert pressure on your home’s rigid slab foundation and result in crack formation.
• Temperature fluctuations. Changes in hot and cold weather can cause the foundation and the surrounding soil to expand and contract. Over time, this repetition can lead to cracks.

While you can’t control the temperature in your area, you do have some influence over the soil’s moisture. If you notice water pooling around your home’s foundation due to rain or your sprinkler system, it’s advisable to consult a drainage expert who can help you find a solution to divert water away from your home. This will prevent excessive moisture from saturating and destabilizing the soil around your foundation.

Should You Repair a Hairline Crack in Your Foundation?

At the very least, it is recommended to have a trusted foundation repair company inspect a hairline crack in your foundation. Although these cracks are thin, they can allow moisture to seep into your crawl space or basement, potentially leading to mold and water damage.
Hairline cracks can also widen over time, posing a structural threat to your home. Fixing a hairline crack is a relatively simple procedure when done by a professional. However, repairing a large crack will be more challenging and costly. For this reason, experts typically advise getting the crack inspected and repaired sooner rather than later.

Require a Foundation Inspection? G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair is prepared to help! Contact our Fort Worth foundation repair experts today to schedule an appointment.