Structural or horizontal cracks in the foundation are usually the result of settlement and/or horizontal loading. They can be the result of hydrostatic pressure or from using heavy equipment next to the foundation. Basement cracks result in moisture and gas penetration or water in the basement that can ruin finished wall coverings, floor coverings and furniture. These concrete floor cracks typically result from one or more of the following; 1. Soil settlement beneath the footing...

Far too often, homes in the North East, like Rhode Island and Massachusetts, have foundations that are collapsing. Waterproofing the basement can help you avoid this highly expensive problem. Basement waterproofing helps keep your foundation and basement walls safe and secure. Are Cracks in the Basement Walls Serious? A crack in the walls or floor of the basement, even if they're quite small, can be a sign of much bigger problems to come. Neglecting basement...

Vertical foundation cracks occur most often from poor construction or when foundation concrete shrinks and cures. Basement cracks are common in new construction and in older homes. While vertical foundation cracks do not often lead to structural issues as often as horizontal foundation cracks, they do allow water to enter your home causing water damage and mold. No one wants to live in or buy a home with a leaking foundation. Cracked foundation walls lead...

With winter here, it is important to check your foundation for cracks. You don’t want water finding its way in when the snow melts or the rain falls. Basements are the place in your home to start your inspection, this is where foundation cracks are most often found.  You are looking for cracks in the foundation, water damage or signs of water damage or leaking. It's pretty easy to find foundation cracks. Look for signs...

During this Holiday season, we warmly reflect upon the year that was 2012 and how your faith, confidence, and referral of A-1 Foundation and Crack Repair has further solidified us as the most trusted and sought after foundation repair service provider across Boston MA, NH, RI, and CT.  Your steady stream of feedback regarding how much you value our blog, advice, and foundation repair tips is warmly received.   Today's tip goes out to those...

Basement crack repair is important because cracks can lead to more than just structural and water problems. Basement and foundation cracks can allow radon gas into your home. In fact, health advocates want homeowners to have their homes tested for the potentially dangerous and cancer-causing gas. Radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon is caused by the breakdown of uranium when soil degrades. It has no smell, taste or color....

All homes settle over time. Basement cracks and foundation cracks are often the result. There are effects of these settlement cracks in a home, and there are underlying effects that may result. Settlement cracks can be a serious and unsuspected issue in a home’s structural stability. One of the causes of basement cracks and foundation cracks could be if a home was constructed on poorly compacted soil, causing sinking of the building. There are additional...

Winter weather can harm your basement foundation. How? Water in the soil expands when it freezes, which can move your foundation. Water can also expand the soil around your home which can cause a space between the soil and your foundation. And, any water in foundation cracks will also expand.   When the weather warms up, you have larger foundation cracks as well as areas between the soil and the foundation walls where water can...

If you have not winterized your home yet, it is time! While you are putting up the holiday lights, take a look around the foundation. Do you have any basement cracks? Have any foundation cracks formed since you last checked?  Very small cracks in the foundation walls are common.  You are looking for larger cracks or, in a block foundation, look for shifting blocks. Any cracks in your foundation need to be repaired, certainly before...

It happens every year.  The day after Thanksgiving our phones light up from home owners needing foundation crack repair in Boston and across MA and RI.  That's the day many of us begin to pull Holiday decorations out of the basement only to discover cracks in the foundation floor and walls.  They weren't there last year, so you are very likely in good shape cause you've discovered them reasonably early. We can't emphasize enough the...