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What if I have cracks in the walls?What should pay attention to?

Our homes are usually one of the largest investments that we do in our lives.Therefore, it goes without saying that the last thing we want to see is cracks in the walls, as they can be a sign of hidden fundamental damage that can lead to major financial costs.Cracks have many consequences, so it is important to know how to assess the cause and seriousness of damage in your walls to determine the best action plan.

in my cracked walls - how serious is it?

No crack in the house is welcome. There is a difference between insignificant hair cracks on the outer decorative layer, which can be treated without much trouble, and larger cracks that may indicate serious constructive problems. Shorter or thin hair cracks, as a rule, appear on the surface of the walls and are not associated with the fundamental state of the house or its supporting structures. These cracks may be unsightly, but usually do not indicate serious damage, therefore it is enough to eliminate enough cosmetic repair. Larger cracks are often the result of the continuing movement of the building (or its parts) or external influences that threaten the structural integrity of the building. The not eliminated cause of large cracks may require expensive repairs and create high risks for the market value of the building and the safety of its inhabitants.

What can cause cracks?

There are a number of reasons for which cracks may form in the structures. One of the most common reasons for the appearance of significant cracks in the walls is the poorly compacted base under the foundation or weak, unstable state of the soil. The result is an uneven sediment, leading to the movement of the whole or part of the structure. For example, the base of the foundation under your house may consist of conventionally loose sand or reactive (bumping) clay, which is affected by a changing level of humidity and temperature in the ground. Excess water caused by changing the level of groundwater or weather phenomena, such as strong or long-term rain, can lead to sweetened soil. The same foundation will die later and will decrease when there will be long warm weather or drought, which will lead to the displacement of the foundation (or part of it) and with time the building will become deformed.

Cracks can also be formed as a result of seasonal fluctuations in environmental factors.The buildings are experiencing deformation as a result of the reaction of building materials for age, weather and temperature changes.Changes in temperature and humidity can also affect paintwork coatings, forcing the decorative layer to stretch or crumble, which leads to the appearance of visible cosmetic cracks.

What should I pay attention to?

The most important thing is not to panic.Spend time and resources to explore and understand your situation.This is the best start to find the optimal solution.You can start with the organization of observation of cracks on the wall.In Граундтек, there is a formalized process for monitoring cracks in the supporting structures to obtain a unambiguous idea of the severity of the crack or deformation.

After you started monitoring, you can ask yourself the following questions:

- Is the crack of the opening of 1 mm or wider?Is there a speaker?

- The crack is serrated or zigzag?

- Are there cracks from windows, door portals or other openings?

- The crack was formed only outside?Is it in the body of a brick masonry or follows the lines of the solution?

- Are there doors and windows?Difficult to open and closing?

- Are floors inclined or began to "walk" under load?

If you answer "yes" to at least one of these questions, then the cracks are most likely indicated on structural damage or problems with the base on which your home is worth.This means that you must consult with an expert (geotechnical engineer) and get feedback on how best to eliminate damage and secure your future.

A deeper understanding of how and why cracks and what their consequences are formed, can prevent additional stress and unnecessary costs.Of course, if you are not sure how best to save your home, then a professional company, such as Граундтек, can inspect and examine an object with the provision of minimally necessary information about a particular situation for taking a weighted solution.