Foundation cracks can be stressful when they are found, especially if you’ve never dealt with anything like that before. If you have a block foundation and have noticed bowing, cracks, or other signs of damage then you might be wondering how exactly these damages can be repaired. Well, there are many different types of cracks that would be beneficial to be repaired in different ways. There are multiple different ways that a crack can be repaired in your block foundation. Block foundation repair is done by a foundation repair company and they will assess your foundation and choose a method to repair the block foundation.
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What Types Of Cracks Can Be Found In The Block Foundation?
Homes with block foundations can experience many different types of cracks. Block foundation typically has damage due to water or some sort of external pressure which causes it to crack. There are a few different types of cracks that you can experience when you have a block foundation.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks are quite common when it comes to block foundations. A horizontal crack is typically caused by some sort of water pressure that is pushing your walls and moving your foundation. A horizontal crack is dangerous and there is a possibility of the wall collapsing.
Stair Step Crack
Stair step cracks are common in block foundations. On a regular wall, you wouldn’t typically see a stair-step pattern but due to the makeup of the block foundation, this is quite a common type of crack. Stair step cracks are usually a direct result of a bowing wall.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks are usually caused by the settling of the home, which is normal. The home may have some spots that settle at different times which can cause diagonal cracks. These cracks should be repaired to ensure that further damage is not done.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are the most common type found on any type of wall. Block foundations that have vertical cracking should not worry, but the cracks still need to be repaired as soon as possible.
How Do You Repair A Concrete Block Foundation?
There are different methods of block foundation repair. These foundations can all need different methods to repair them. The soil under the foundation and the type of cracks and damage will all contribute to choosing what method for the block foundation repair.
Epoxy
Epoxy is the least invasive method that could be used for block foundation repair, but it is best used on minor cracks. Cracks that are not very wide and there is no presence of other damage can be repaired using epoxy. Epoxy is placed in the crack and it expands to fill every crevice to ensure that the crack is completely sealed.
Carbon Fiber Straps
Carbon fiber straps are a way to give your walls more support and stability. Carbon fiber is a very strong material and these straps are able to adhere to the wall to give it support. This is a great block foundation repair method for bowing walls.
Slabjacking
Slabjacking is a method where there will be polyurethane foam injected into your foundation in order to lift it. This helps to give the extra support it needs and close any cracks visible. This method is a bit invasive but is long-lasting.
Steel Piers
Steel piers are the most durable and strongest pier option. They are placed under your foundation to lift and support it. This is a more invasive and expensive repair method but it is a permanent fix for foundation cracks and stabilization.
Concrete Pilings
Concrete pilings are a common way to repair block foundations as well. Pilings are overall a more long-term solution to foundation cracks. It helps to stabilize the foundation and repair cracks as well as prevent future cracks.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Cinder Block Foundation?
Block foundation repair pricing can vary a lot because there are many factors that go into what the price will be. On average a typical homeowner will pay between $500 and $2,500 on their block foundation repair. This is a wide range but it actually can cost up to $10,000 for block foundation repair. The more invasive and time consuming methods will cost more.
There are a lot of different factors that go into what the price will be for cinder block foundation repair. The type of repair is a main component to what the price will be. Minor cracks will cost less than damages such as a bowed wall. The amount of foundation affected will determine pricing as well because the more of your foundation that’s affected the more it will cost. Overall, there are a lot of factors that go into the price but your local foundation repair company will choose the best method and communicate the price and what is factored into the price.
Block Foundation Repair
Block foundations can settle and move just like any other type of foundation. Different styles of cracks such as stair step cracks and horizontal cracks that are caused by the movement and settling of a cinder block foundation. These cracks can be repaired by many different methods such as piers, epoxy and mudjacking. These repair methods will be chosen by a foundation repair company based on the soil of your home and the type of crack or damage. The price is also based on the method used for the block foundation repair.
Homeowners should contact their local foundation repair company to get estimates and inspections on their block foundation. This will give the homeowner information on the types of damage they have, the method the company will use to repair and an estimated price on how much it will be for the block foundation repair. Overall, homeowners should not panic when they notice foundation cracks but they should contact a repair company as soon as possible to help avoid further damages. Keeping an eye on your foundation and doing self or professional inspections on it will help stay on top of any foundation problems that could arise.
