- By Christian Sundahl
- In basement waterproofing, Bowed basement walls, foundation repair, foundation wall cracks
- Tags basement waterproofing, Foundation Cracks
Foundation Cracks and Your Roof Dutchess County, NY
Foundation Cracks and Your Roof Dutchess County, NY
Do you have foundation cracks? Many homeowners ignore cracks in their foundation especially if they are small. However, did you know that failure to repair those cracks in your foundation could lead to damage in your roof? 
A shifting foundation
Foundation cracks are often a sign of shifting of your foundation. While slight movements of your foundation is normal, extensive shifting of the soils around the foundation can result in too much movement too quickly. This shifting is often caused by changes in moisture levels in soil.
When soils around the foundation absorb water, they expand. This expansion is quite normal. However, when they absorb too much water they expand to many times their original size. This results in an increase in the pressure being exerted against the foundation wall. This causes the foundation wall to bow and crack.
Soils also shift away from the foundation. This occurs when the soils lose moisture in the dry season. The soil shrinks. In drought, the soils may shrink to the extent that gaps are created between the soil and the foundation wall. The foundation wall loses the support provided by the soil around it. This results in the foundation walls cracking.
The first signs of a shifting foundation are seen in the form of foundation cracks. However, the damage isn’t confined to the basement. A shifting foundation often results in shifting of the roof. You may notice damage such as bowing or curving along the ridgeline of the roof. While roofs are designed to withstand shifting of a few inches in the foundation, extensive shifting can result in damage to the roof. Extreme shifting results in separations in the roof. You may begin to experience leaks in the rainy season. Your home is also likely to become infested with mold and pests.
Repair your foundation cracks
Roof repair isn’t cheap especially when it is the result of foundation shifting. It will mean extensive repairs to the structure of the home. You will also need to invest in foundation repair to prevent further damage to your roof.
We recommend repairing your foundation as soon as possible to avoid the expense of repairing a roof and other structural damage to your home. However, if you have already noticed damage to your roof, it’s not too late. Start by investing in foundation repair to secure your property. You can then invest in roof repair.
Contact the Professionals at Sundahl Waterproofing Today! 914-834-9212
