Very informative. Thanks. I just bought a home and I found some cracks that the inspector (and later, painters) claims aren't a problem, but a home improvement contractor expressed concerns. Now, I have to get it inspected.
We had our home in western Massachusetts built, in 2010. We used a high end builder, with a reputable history. We intended on being here only 3-4 years…..here I am twelve years later, and now, I’m finding cracks throughout my basement. On the walls, and on the deck, along corners, and diagonally from basement window corners. During freeze-thaw-rain-freeze cycles, common in late fall and early spring, two of the cracks show some moisture! I’m retired military and retired law enforcement….I’m no wallflower when it comes to stressful situations. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I am “freaking out”, at least mentally. My wife works for a law firm, I asked her to,ask her boss about what legal actions are possible here. Maybe nothing to be worried about….maybe. But still, maybe one of two fine cracks, I can live with, but at last count, I had over 15. I did the “tape marking” thing….I’ll do the measurements. While I spent some of my LEO time chasing “crackheads”, I never imagined that in retirement I’d be chasing “cracks”! (Ya gotta laugh, I guess).
I've built foundations my entire life. I work, outside your market, for a contractor that repairs everything foundation related. Shoot me a message and some photos, I'd gladly look them over and give you an opinion. While it can feel really concerning (and may very well be) a lot of times what you're describing is nothing to worry about. With that being said, a bad faith actor could easily capitalize on your obvious anxiety over the situation.
Watching this video because I've been living in the same house 25 years I'm 35 now. The house has been in my family since it was built in the 50s. As far as i know it hasn't had any major repairs since around the late 80s/early 90s, my aunt and her husband used to do most of the repairs and hire very cheap labor. Now the sidewalk around my grease trap is cracked and unleveled(there's a hole forming pretty deep, where a tree grew for 40years) and even big chunks are breaking off. The entire house from front to back has cracks all over it. The porch is beginning to separate and the interior is riddled with cracks and stress marks. I live in Chicago so weather definitely plays the biggest part in this. I've noticed a couple more houses on my block have similar issues. One directly across from me has the same issues on the outside, their stairs are even worse and this house was renovated about 15 years ago with an expansion to the attic,almost new everything as far as cosmetic improvements. I really don't want to let the house go under but i can't afford a 100k+ repairs. I've been freaking out almost every time it rains, snows, or is super windy. Oh and my house was hit by a car 20 years ago, the impact spot was a column on the front porch supporting the roof recently started shifting
I have a question. I have a house that is new construction and has hit the 1 year mark. I noticed there is a horizontal crack around the exterior brick veneer on one side of the house. It is less than 2mm, and the soil around the house is clay. I don't have any bowing walls, windows open/close easily, but we have had some extreme weather this year. Does it sound like normal house settlement?
The first couple of years is a great time to be paying special attention to a foundation. Certainly, the house is settling into it's long term position and some small cracks are not uncommon. On the other hand, clay soil is the most susceptible type of soil to changes in volume that can affect your foundation. Your home has just gone through it's first cycle of all the seasons and the temperature and moisture changes that come with that. Kyle's advice would be to verify that you have good positive drainage for water away from the house, keep an eye on that crack and if it concerns you, have it looked at by a professional. If it is a problem, things only get worse with time.
Was in process of buying a brand new house with LGI a day ago and when I saw the brand new house already had the cracks I was so scared because based on the reviews the house will end up having foundation issues. I think it's crazy for a brand new house to have such issues. Any advice? Thanks.
Well, they don't build homes like they used to (maybe that's good?). I think I'd look for a home built within the last 10 years and bring an inspector along with me and have him/her examine the foundation and interior for any structural issues.
Whats the solution for cracks in ground. Had 100+°weather for months now and some areas in ground i can put my hand in.... do i fill and water? Another thing is ariund the house theres less then 2 inches seperation from home to soil... where a year ago this wasnt the case. We are new home owners please respond asap
That's good news (and nice work!) that you've been monitoring it for this long and the crack doesn't appear to be active. If it's a narrow foundation crack, I would leave it alone and continue to monitor it unless it is leaking water. If you do decide to repair it, it's still a good idea to keep an eye on it for evidence that the crack may be coming back.
There is definitely a time component needed to determine if a crack is active but like the video says, Any of those other types of cracks can be bad. If there is something about a foundation that concerns you on a house that you are considering purchasing, don't be afraid to ask to have it inspected by a professional. It's also good to check the owner's disclosures for comments that may address this as well. You can even bring in your own inspector if you have someone you trust or you know is reputable.
on this channel, he found a LOT of vertical cracks in a new brick house. th-cam.com/users/shortsPJTOxZBPQ6Q How would this get fixed? tear it all out and start over?
I believe that 50% of home settlements are the plumbers' fault. They will drill out 60% of a beam or wall post to accommodate the plumbing. Im not sure why the engineers or architect dont have precise placement for plumbing. Because all the cuts and drilling can't be good for the overall structural integrity of the home. 😢
Hey! Kyle here-thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s true that plumbers and electricians often need to drill holes, and there are guidelines they should follow regarding size and placement. I’ve definitely seen cases where holes were drilled too large, too many were made, or they were in the wrong location. Mistakes like this can cause structural issues with the framing but should not be confused with foundation settlement. A thorough inspection of the foundation should be able to make that distinction.
Hello, i just used the term settling but I'm talking about the movement of the overall structure. ie nail popping and wall cracks and unleavened floors. Because large holes in floor joists can cause floor sagging. I renovated a bathroom where an 2x6 outside wall studs were cut 4 inches to vent the plumbing. We both know the engineers did not consider that type of structural changes.
Oh no! Thanks for reaching out! We would love to answer any questions you may have. Find our nearest dealer to you: www.foundationsupportworks.com/dealers.html
Super informative and helpful! Thanks for the insight.
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative. Thanks. I just bought a home and I found some cracks that the inspector (and later, painters) claims aren't a problem, but a home improvement contractor expressed concerns. Now, I have to get it inspected.
What about cracks that disappear in the warmer months and reappear in colder months?
We had our home in western Massachusetts built, in 2010. We used a high end builder, with a reputable history. We intended on being here only 3-4 years…..here I am twelve years later, and now, I’m finding cracks throughout my basement. On the walls, and on the deck, along corners, and diagonally from basement window corners. During freeze-thaw-rain-freeze cycles, common in late fall and early spring, two of the cracks show some moisture! I’m retired military and retired law enforcement….I’m no wallflower when it comes to stressful situations. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I am “freaking out”, at least mentally. My wife works for a law firm, I asked her to,ask her boss about what legal actions are possible here. Maybe nothing to be worried about….maybe. But still, maybe one of two fine cracks, I can live with, but at last count, I had over 15. I did the “tape marking” thing….I’ll do the measurements. While I spent some of my LEO time chasing “crackheads”, I never imagined that in retirement I’d be chasing “cracks”! (Ya gotta laugh, I guess).
I've built foundations my entire life. I work, outside your market, for a contractor that repairs everything foundation related.
Shoot me a message and some photos, I'd gladly look them over and give you an opinion. While it can feel really concerning (and may very well be) a lot of times what you're describing is nothing to worry about. With that being said, a bad faith actor could easily capitalize on your obvious anxiety over the situation.
Thanks to your comment I laugh my head off every time he says crack 😂😂😂😂.
@@BobbyWhitus How can I contact you ? I am curious to ask you some questions about a horizental crack ? Hope u see this message
but how do you know if the foundation repair contractor isn't telling you stair step cracks require extensive repair just so they get a job?
Watching this video because I've been living in the same house 25 years I'm 35 now. The house has been in my family since it was built in the 50s. As far as i know it hasn't had any major repairs since around the late 80s/early 90s, my aunt and her husband used to do most of the repairs and hire very cheap labor.
Now the sidewalk around my grease trap is cracked and unleveled(there's a hole forming pretty deep, where a tree grew for 40years) and even big chunks are breaking off. The entire house from front to back has cracks all over it. The porch is beginning to separate and the interior is riddled with cracks and stress marks.
I live in Chicago so weather definitely plays the biggest part in this. I've noticed a couple more houses on my block have similar issues. One directly across from me has the same issues on the outside, their stairs are even worse and this house was renovated about 15 years ago with an expansion to the attic,almost new everything as far as cosmetic improvements.
I really don't want to let the house go under but i can't afford a 100k+ repairs. I've been freaking out almost every time it rains, snows, or is super windy. Oh and my house was hit by a car 20 years ago, the impact spot was a column on the front porch supporting the roof recently started shifting
I have a question. I have a house that is new construction and has hit the 1 year mark. I noticed there is a horizontal crack around the exterior brick veneer on one side of the house. It is less than 2mm, and the soil around the house is clay. I don't have any bowing walls, windows open/close easily, but we have had some extreme weather this year. Does it sound like normal house settlement?
The first couple of years is a great time to be paying special attention to a foundation. Certainly, the house is settling into it's long term position and some small cracks are not uncommon. On the other hand, clay soil is the most susceptible type of soil to changes in volume that can affect your foundation. Your home has just gone through it's first cycle of all the seasons and the temperature and moisture changes that come with that. Kyle's advice would be to verify that you have good positive drainage for water away from the house, keep an eye on that crack and if it concerns you, have it looked at by a professional. If it is a problem, things only get worse with time.
New build with spalling in front of door, garage and outside bottom. Run or stay?
It seems at my house I am having a stair step crack above the main entrance of house door. Please advise any solution
Didn't know anything about cracks but, now I do. Thanks!
Crack kills
I have a growing crack on the wall from one corner of the frame door, this is in the second floor. This crack is because a bad foundation?
That is a high possibility! Find our nearest dealer to you and they can help diagnose this: www.foundationsupportworks.com/dealers.html
Was in process of buying a brand new house with LGI a day ago and when I saw the brand new house already had the cracks I was so scared because based on the reviews the house will end up having foundation issues.
I think it's crazy for a brand new house to have such issues.
Any advice? Thanks.
Well, they don't build homes like they used to (maybe that's good?). I think I'd look for a home built within the last 10 years and bring an inspector along with me and have him/her examine the foundation and interior for any structural issues.
Whats the solution for cracks in ground. Had 100+°weather for months now and some areas in ground i can put my hand in.... do i fill and water? Another thing is ariund the house theres less then 2 inches seperation from home to soil... where a year ago this wasnt the case. We are new home owners please respond asap
Hi what's better concret basement or block which one you recommend from Wisconsin thanks
What’s the average cost on a crack repair?
If the cracks did not grow within two years should we just repair them?
That's good news (and nice work!) that you've been monitoring it for this long and the crack doesn't appear to be active. If it's a narrow foundation crack, I would leave it alone and continue to monitor it unless it is leaking water. If you do decide to repair it, it's still a good idea to keep an eye on it for evidence that the crack may be coming back.
Very useful thank you !
Thank you for the link
How can a home buyer know if a crack is active after 1 visit?
There is definitely a time component needed to determine if a crack is active but like the video says, Any of those other types of cracks can be bad. If there is something about a foundation that concerns you on a house that you are considering purchasing, don't be afraid to ask to have it inspected by a professional. It's also good to check the owner's disclosures for comments that may address this as well. You can even bring in your own inspector if you have someone you trust or you know is reputable.
Thanks mate! Brilliantly video
On point and very informative, Thank you
I’m so fk’d! My foundation is sinking like a mofo!
I need a foundation or structural engineer to look at a house I am considering buying. mid-southern part of NC😀
Thanks for reaching out! Find our nearest dealer to you: www.foundationsupportworks.com/dealers.html
thanks
on this channel, he found a LOT of vertical cracks in a new brick house.
th-cam.com/users/shortsPJTOxZBPQ6Q
How would this get fixed? tear it all out and start over?
Love this!!! Thanks
I believe that 50% of home settlements are the plumbers' fault. They will drill out 60% of a beam or wall post to accommodate the plumbing. Im not sure why the engineers or architect dont have precise placement for plumbing. Because all the cuts and drilling can't be good for the overall structural integrity of the home. 😢
Hey! Kyle here-thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s true that plumbers and electricians often need to drill holes, and there are guidelines they should follow regarding size and placement. I’ve definitely seen cases where holes were drilled too large, too many were made, or they were in the wrong location. Mistakes like this can cause structural issues with the framing but should not be confused with foundation settlement. A thorough inspection of the foundation should be able to make that distinction.
Hello, i just used the term settling but I'm talking about the movement of the overall structure. ie nail popping and wall cracks and unleavened floors. Because large holes in floor joists can cause floor sagging. I renovated a bathroom where an 2x6 outside wall studs were cut 4 inches to vent the plumbing. We both know the engineers did not consider that type of structural changes.
not me with some cracks I can see getting bigger :(
Oh no! Thanks for reaching out! We would love to answer any questions you may have. Find our nearest dealer to you: www.foundationsupportworks.com/dealers.html
Can I call you and get some verbal estimates
Thanks for reaching out! Find our nearest dealer to you: www.foundationsupportworks.com/dealers.html
The worst kind of crack is plumbers crack.
At least it's free!
Crack monitor 😂😂 active crack😂😂