Cracks in Foundation: Knowing When to Worry in North Carolina

From the picturesque Piedmont region to the serene shores of the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina is a palette of natural beauty that offers something for everyone. This diverse environment is both a blessing and a curse, namely to our homes.

As a North Carolina homeowner, you know how the weather can keep you on your toes. From hot, humid summers to rainy seasons, your home’s foundation has to handle a lot. Add in the mix of soil types, and it’s no surprise that foundation cracks are common.

If you’ve spotted cracks in foundation areas, you’re not alone. Many North Carolina homeowners see them, but not all cracks mean trouble. The key is knowing which ones are normal and which foundation cracks to be concerned about.

• Hairline Cracks: These thin, small cracks typically result from natural settling, but it’s smart to monitor them for any growth. Make sure they are no larger than 1/8 inch wide.
• Horizontal Cracks: Cracks along a wall’s width can indicate too much pressure from the surrounding soil or water buildup—get them checked quickly.
• Vertical Cracks: Up-and-down cracks may not be as severe, but they can allow moisture seepage that leads to crawl space or basement issues.
• Stair-Step Cracks in Brick or Block Foundations: Cracks following a step pattern along mortar joints mean the foundation is shifting.

1. Widening Cracks: If a crack is big enough to fit a quarter inside, usually wider than ¼ inch, it’s time to get a professional opinion.
2. Cracks in Drywall: Foundation movement can show itself in cracks along drywall on your walls and ceiling, as well as drywall nail pops.
3. Moisture Issues: North Carolina’s humid climate and frequent rain can cause water to find its way through foundation cracks. If you notice water leaks or high humidity levels, don’t wait to address them.
4. Bowing Walls: Clay-heavy soil, especially in areas like Durham, expands when wet and contracts when dry, pressing on your foundation walls. If they start bowing inward, reinforcement is needed.
5. Sticking Doors and Windows: If your doors and windows aren’t opening or closing like they used to, your foundation may be shifting.
6. Sagging or Uneven Floors: A shifting foundation or excessive crawl space humidity coupled with wood rot can lead to sloping floors, which could mean serious structural concerns.

Varied Soil Types

• Clay Soil: Common in Durham and throughout North Carolina, this expansive soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, causing foundation movement.
• Sandy Soil: Typically found in Raleigh and coastal areas like Wilmington, this soil is less compact, which can lead to foundation settling over time.
• Silt Soil: This other common ingredient holds water, increasing the risk of foundation cracks and moisture issues.

Tree Roots

This may come as a surprise. The roots of big trees are pretty strong. When they make their way into the soil beneath the home, they can lift sections of the foundation, causing it to crack. Make sure you don’t plant them near your home.

DIY Prevention Steps

• Inspect Regularly: Walk around your home and keep an eye on any new or widening cracks.
• Seal Small Cracks: Use epoxy or caulk to stop minor cracks from growing.
• Improve Drainage: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and properly graded soil direct water away from your foundation.

Addressing Settlement With Foundation Piers

• Helical Piers are screwed into the ground and are particularly useful in variable soil conditions.
• Push Piers, on the other hand, are hydraulically driven deep into the soil until they reach a more stable layer, offering robust support.
• Slab Piers are used specifically for homes with a concrete slab foundation, providing direct support to the affected area.

Reinforcing and Repairing Walls

• Wall Anchors are installed in the ground outside of your home and then connected to the walls with steel rods. They are ideal for stabilizing and straightening bowing or tilting walls.
• Wall Repair Beams are steel I-beams positioned along the interior of your basement walls. They are adjustable, allowing for gradual straightening over time, and are an excellent solution for walls showing signs of stress but cannot be accessed from the outside.
• Carbon Fiber Straps are durable, low-profile straps that firmly adhere to cracking walls with less than 2 inches of movement. They hold the walls in their current positions and prevent additional damage.

Crawl Space or Basement Waterproofing

Whether your home has a crawl space or a basement, it’s important to keep moisture levels in these areas in check. Moisture management is key to protecting structural materials and preventing rotting, corrosion, and failure. Waterproofing systems, including interior drains, sump pumps, and vapor barriers, work together to intercept and remove water, preventing moisture damage and future cracks.

Get a Free Local Inspection From Tar Heel Basement Systems

With more than 20 years of experience, we are North Carolina’s leader in foundation repair. Our skilled team delivers reliable solutions, using innovative techniques to get the job done right the first time.

Schedule a free foundation inspection and learn why Tar Heel is the best choice for addressing and resolving foundation cracks.