#STEM WALL FOUNDATION REPAIR CRACK#

#STEM WALL FOUNDATION REPAIR CRACK#

In addition, measure the width at the widest point and write that on the wall or make a note on the photo.Ĭheck the crack at least monthly for several months and make additional marks and record dates if the crack expands. To monitor a crack, make a pencil mark at both ends and write the date by each mark or line up a tape measure next to the crack and snap a photo. When you notice a new crack that’s not a hairline but still no wider than ⅛ inch, it’s probably due to settling and most likely it doesn’t present a problem-unless it continues to expand. If a narrow crack is new, monitor it for expansion before reaching for the crack sealer. Fixing settlement cracks of this variety is as simple as applying a coat of paint suitable for masonry, such as INSL-X TuffCrete Acrylic Concrete Paint. This is due to normal “settling,” or the concrete shrinking slightly as it cures.Īs long as the cracks are hairline in width, there’s nothing to worry about. Within a year after construction, hairline cracks (about the width of a sewing thread) commonly appear on the inside of basement walls, most often near windows and doors or in the corners of the basement.

If you find hairline cracks in your foundation, don’t sweat it. So, see where your crack falls on the range of foundation crack repair scenarios and find out what you can do. Before you start dialing,, but there are some rules of thumb to keep in mind to help you decide whether or not you should worry.

The best way to ensure that a crack isn’t a sign of a major structural issue is to have a foundation contractor or structural engineer take a look at it.

Stem wall foundation repair