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Causes and Signs

What Causes Foundation Damage?

There are various causes of foundation damage ranging from how it was constructed, exterior influences, to how it is being maintained. If you want to get more information about what's causing your foundation issues, but how to solve them, give your local foundation experts a call today. Serving Springfield Il, and the surrounding Central Illinois areas.  

Calapsed block foundation wall, Bloomington IL

Types of Foundation Cracks 

Bowed foundation Wall, Springfield IL. Horizonal Crack

Horizontal Foundation Cracks 

Horizontal foundation cracks are cracks that span from left to right along your wall. Horizontal cracks are typically formed when too much hydrostatic pressure is on a wall. This pressure causes the wall to fail laterally, making the wall bow inwards. A bowing wall can happen to any type of foundation but, is commonly found in block foundation walls.

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A bowing wall is a strong indication that the foundation isn't as strucurally stable as it needs to be and that something needs to be done to strengthen the wall. This can be done by moving the wall back into place and waterproofing, using steel I beams to reinforce the wall, or in severe cases, rebuild the foundation wall.    

Stair Stepping and Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks are signs that a foundation is shifting or settling. In block or brick foundations, diagonal cracks become stair stepping cracks.  These cracks span diagonally, in a zig-zag pattern that resembles stairs. These diagonal cracks move differently in a block or brick foundation, as opposed to poured concrete, because the mortar joints are weaker than the bricks or blocks. So, the cracks appear there, in the mortar joints.  Typically, you see these cracks in the corners of a house. The placement, span, and amount of cracks tells us about what caused the crack. If stair-stepping cracks are presenting on the corners of a home's foundation, this is an indication of differential settlement, meaning verticle movement in the house. Stair-stepping or diagonal cracks that turn into a horizontal crack is an indication that hydrostatic pressure is causing the wall to fail laterally. Understanding exactly how the wall is shifting is key to solving the issue, that's why you need a foundation repair expert to advice you on these types of 

Foundation Crack. Basement Crack. Stair stepping crack. Block wall
Basement Crack. Foundation Crack. Poured concrete Springfield IL

Verticle Foundation Cracks

Verticle foundation cracks are cracks that span up and down a foundation. They can be found on any type of foundation, brick, poured concrete, CMU block, stone, etc, and can be caused by a variety of things. Hairline cracks(less than 1/16" wide) can be normal, especially in poured concrete foundations. Some hairline cracks can be formed when the foundation was pored during the curing process, these are called shrinkage cracks.

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However, if there's severe separation, or if those cracks get wider over time, that can be an indication of settling. Another indicator that a verticle crack may be an issue is if water is coming through the crack. Water seepage is an indication that the crack is likely larger than a hairline crack and should be evaluated by an expert.      

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  • What services does Central Illinois Concrete offer?
    Concrete Driveways – Durable, weather-resistant installations Patios & Walkways – Custom flatwork for outdoor living spaces Sidewalks & Repairs – New pours and crack fixes Rock & Gravel Driveways – Affordable, rustic alternatives with great drainage Poured Concrete Foundations– Foundation wall rebuilds Foundation Repairs – Solutions for cracked or leaning walls Egress Window Installations – Safe, code-compliant basement windows Egress Window Wells-- Replace worn or broken window wells Grading and Dirt Work -- Yard grading and excavation services Downspout Extensions-- Keep water away from your foundation Commercial Concrete-- Parking lots, sidewalks, ADA ramps and more
  • Where is Central Illinois Concrete located?
    Central Illinois Concrete is based in Petersburg Il and services Springfield Il and the surrounding area.
  • Is Central Illinois Concrete a small business?
    Yes! Central Illinois Concrete is a small, family owned business. That's how we guarantee quality and excellent service. We treat your home and family the same way we would want our to be treated.
  • What is Central Illinois Concrete known for?
    At Central Illinois Concrete, we take pride in being recognized as Springfield’s top choice for durable, high-quality concrete solutions. From driveways and patios to foundations and flatwork, our team delivers expert craftsmanship, unmatched customer service, and affordable, practical results tailored to your property. Locally owned. Community trusted.
  • Does Central Illinois Concrete Offer Financing?
    No, Central Illinois Concrete does not offer financing at this time. We do however work with homeowners to offer solutions that fit their budgets and needs.

Contact

Springfield, Illinois

217-588-9869

Email us administration@cifrw.com

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