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 to your roof?

A shifting foundation

Foundation cracks are often a sign of shifting of your foundation. While slight movements of your foundation are regular, extensive shifting of the soils around the foundation can result in too much activity too quickly. This shifting is often caused by changes in moisture levels in the ground.

When soils around the foundation absorb water, they expand. This expansion is quite normal. However, when they drink too much water, they grow to many times their original size. This increases the pressure being exerted against the foundation wall. This causes the foundation wall to bow and crack.

Soils also shift away from the foundation. When the grounds lose moisture in the dry season—the soil shrinks; in drought, the dirt may shrink to the extent that gaps are created between the earth and the foundation wall. The foundation wall loses the support provided by the ground around it. This results in the foundation walls cracking.

The first signs of a shifting foundation are seen in foundation cracks. However, the damage isn’t confined to the basement. A shifting foundation often results in the 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 movement of a few inches in the foundation, extensive shifting can damage the roof. Extreme shifting results in separations in the top. 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, mainly when it results from 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

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