The Scariest Kind of Foundation Crack

When it comes to a home’s foundation, we believe that “no crack is a good crack”, but there is one crack that requires immediate attention: the horizontal crack.

While some cracks in a foundation are relatively harmless, a horizontal crack is a sign of future foundation and structural failure.

Why is a horizontal crack so bad?

These cracks often occur as a result of immense pressure pushing in the basement wall. Imagine a friend holding up a piece of cardboard, and you pushing your hands into the centre of it… the cardboard will give out in the middle, bend and collapse.

If left unchecked, the horizontal wall crack may:

-         Eventually bow inward.

-         Buckle inward, destabilising the foundation, creating unlevel floors, difficult to open doors and windows, gaps and cracks in walls, flooring and ceilings.

-         Cause the foundation to fail completely. 

What can be done?

We have a fantastic product to stabilise a failing foundation: The PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System.

We secure steel I-beams to the joists above the wall with heavy-duty steel brackets. The system not only stabilises the wall but can often be tightened to help return the wall to its original position. The PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System does not require any exterior excavation and can be installed within just a couple of days.

If you notice a horizontal wall crack in your home’s foundation, please contact us for a complimentary inspection and free estimate. 1-866-277-1277