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Secrets from Under the Hard Hat: Tapered Cracks

Secrets from Under the Hard Hat

My name is Matilda and I've been sent out on special assignment with different technicians from Peak Basement Systems to discover the secrets to failing foundations.   Each week, I'll be highlighting a little insider knowledge to help you determine if your home is resting on a solid, healthy foundation. 

This week, I shadowed Jack McGuire, Peak Basement Systems Estimator and Structural Evaluator, as he visited a home with suspected foundation movement.  The homeowner was concerned because there were several cracks that seemed to be moving in her foundation wall and around the front door.

When Jack and I arrived, we found a total of seven cracks in the basement walls, as well as 2 cracks around the front door and entry window.  All of these cracks looked like comet tails and I asked him about that odd shape.  He explained to me that these types of cracks are called 'tapered'.  When a crack is tapered, it means that there's a fixed end, indicating where movement is not occurring and a wider end where the real trouble is.  Tapered cracks are common causes of concern for homeowners'and rightly so.  Jack said that tapered cracks give him a good indication of whether foundation movement is horizontal or vertical and where the general problem is located. 

Wondering whether a crack in your wall or ceiling is serious?  First, check out the crack to see if it's tapered since tapered cracks indicate movement.  That's serious, so it should be checked out by a professional.  Not sure if the crack is still moving?  Try measuring the length of the crack, or placing a thin pencil line at the tail of the fixed end and check back to see if the crack has gotten longer.  Crack monitors can be a big help in determining if movement is still occurring, too.  A crack monitor is glued to a foundation wall and has a grid on two separate plates that will show you horizontal and vertical movement.  Your structural evaluator should have crack monitors available to install for you at no charge.

Join me next week as I discover more about cracks and what to do if the crack isn't tapered.

~Matilda

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Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing in greater Colorado Springs. See Full Service Area