Overview of Foundation Cracking in Princeton, IN
When Donnie, a Foundation Repair Specialist with Healthy Spaces, returned at this Princeton, IN home, he was shocked to discover how much the foundation cracks had grown.
Princeton, IN Basement with Foundation Cracks
Donnie had been to the home over a year ago and the homeowners had decided to wait and see if the cracks closed or got better on their own. Now, Donnie counted a 300% growth in the width of every crack and most cracks had grown in length to span the wall.
Close Up of Foundation Cracking in Princeton, IN
Here's a close up of the cracking. Vertical cracks are indicative of foundation settling problems. If the walls had been bowing inward, then the cracks would be horizontal. After taking measurements with a laser level and other equipment, Donnie knew that the northwest corner of the home had sunk dramatically over the year.
Designing a problem for Foundation Settling in Princeton, IN
The best solution for a settling foundation like this one is to apply push piers underneath the failing section of foundation and lift that section until it is returned to level condition, or as close to level condition as possible given site constraints. Donnie recommended 9 push piers be installed for this foundation crack and settling repair.
Water Intrusion causes Foundation Cracking in Princeton, IN
So, why did the foundation settle and crack? Most foundation problems can be boiled down to one element: water. Either too much or too little water. Water causes sandy soil to collapse and it causes silty/clay soil to expand. Both conditions will cause foundation movement.