Foundation cracks are scary and it is normal for homeowners to assume the worst. They aren’t always serious even though small foundation cracks may allow water debris or pests into your home. These foundation cracks in kenya can also be a sign of structural failure which is serious and should be inspected immediately by a foundation repair professional in kenya. These cracks are caused by various things including normal aging. Let’s review the ultimate guide to foundation cracks in Kenya and repair.
Causes Of Foundation Cracks In Kenya
Foundation cracks are caused by:
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Aging
Homes or buildings develop cracks as they age. Usually, cracks caused by aging are small ones less than ⅙ of an inch wide.
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Expansive soils
When they absorb water, expansive soils expand and shrink when they dry out. This expansion and shrinking causes stress on the foundation and over time can lead to cracking of the foundation.
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Inadequately compacted soil
Before the construction of the building commences, the soil must be properly compacted, failure to do so, and differential settlement can occur later on leading to cracking of the foundation.
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Drainage problems
Plumbing leaks and gutter problems can cause water pools near the foundation and filtrate into the ground eventually causing damage to the foundation.
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Soil creep
Buildings built on hillsides are susceptible to soil creep which can over time result in foundation cracks.
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Earthquakes
Earthquakes are another cause of foundation cracking.
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Improper design
An inadequately designed foundation for the soils and the loads will eventually develop problems.
Types Of Foundation Cracks In Kenya
There are different types of cracks you might see on your building in kenya
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Horizontal cracks
These cracks on a foundation are the most serious ones as they indicate soil pressure due to temperature fluctuations or hydrostatic pressure caused by excess moisture in the soil. these cracks can be fixed by a repair method that helps to stabilize the cracked foundation walls.
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Vertical cracks
These cracks run up vertically on the foundation walls or sides .they are pretty normal in many homes and are not necessarily a sign of structural failure. A crack from the top of the wall to the floor is rarely structural because the load has an obstructed path to the footing. They may be caused by hydrostatic pressure pushing against the foundation.
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Diagonal cracks
These types of cracks are generally caused by differential foundation settlement. piers can be installed to lift up the settled part of the foundation if the differential settlement is severe.
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Stair step cracks
These cracks in mortar are a result of foundation settlement and they are minor cracks that do not go through the foundation and can be fixed using injection methods. however, if the foundation is cracked all the way through, installation of piers may be necessary. Before taking any action ensure that the cracks are looked at by a professional.
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Hairline foundation cracks:
These thin cracks are the most common often as a result of mortar dying out as it cures in new buildings a few days after a foundation is laid, while in old buildings it is a sign of aging concrete. These do not cause alarm, although if small cracks turn into significant gaps or start allowing water to seep beneath, it’s time for a deeper inspection to determine if they threaten the foundation’s integrity.
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Conclusion
In a nutshell, structural cracks are a big threat to your home’s structural integrity while non-structural cracks are not that serious, however, this doesn’t mean that non-structural foundation cracks are harmless. As a homeowner in Kenya, your main focus should be on preventing foundation cracks from occurring because, in the long run, money will be saved. Regularly cleaning gutters and installing downspout extensions are far less expensive than a whole foundation repair.
