Even in the most solidly built home, there may eventually come a day when you notice small cracks in the foundation.
Maybe there is water leaking in or unfortunately, a musty, moldy smell permeates into everything stored in the basement.
Those seemingly innocent small cracks can lead to bigger and in some cases, dangerous conditions.
When Cracks Need Professional Attention
Minor hairline cracks in the foundation may not be a big deal. As long as they don’t become larger or start spreading to other areas.
Typically, once a crack becomes larger than 1/16 of an inch is the time to call for inspection and repair. Once the cracks become larger, it means the potential for more extensive and expensive damage may be right around the corner. A professional inspection will let you know for sure.
The danger of large cracks is that eventually, they can cause the concrete foundation to begin crumbling and deteriorating. The larger the crack, particularly if forming at an angle, the potential for damage to your foundation increases.
Cracks can also allow the foundation to shift. When shifting begins, you’ll have a harder time opening and closing doors and windows because the structure of your foundation has been compromised.
Potential for Water Damage
You don’t have to be a foundation repair expert to know that where there are cracks, there is the potential for moisture and water to seep into your home.
After a heavy rain, you may notice the basement is damp or even flooded depending on the foundation damage.
If left unchecked, excessive water causes a lot of damage to foundations. Water weakens foundation walls which may result in bulging, further cracking or even buckling.
Mold
On top of that, where there is excessive moisture, dampness and water, there is an increased potential for mold.
While mold can be extremely dangerous for those with respiratory issues, it is also extremely damaging to your home.
From carpeting to furniture to personal belongings, once mold begins growing on these items, they will be destroyed unless properly dried, cleaned, and disinfected.
Mold also wreaks havoc on a home’s structural components, eating away at wood and corroding metal.
Active mold releases airborne mold spores especially when disturbed. These mold spores can spread throughout your home settling into places you can’t even see such as in foundation cracks/gaps, behind drywall, above ceilings, and under floors.
Professional Inspections and Repair
You don’t want your home placed in danger because you ignored what you thought was a small crack in the foundation.
The best course of action is to call a professional to inspect and analyze the situation. They can repair existing damage, offer solutions to divert water and help prevent future damage to your home.
Since it doesn’t take long for mold to set in and spread, the next call is to a professional mold remediation company, who can identify all sources of mold and properly remediate the situation.
Professional mold remediation restores the integrity of places in your basement where mold has already taken root and eliminates the spread. Not only does this save your home from the damaging effects of mold but restores air quality and eases health symptoms.
Conclusion
These are some of the reasons why a cracked foundation is dangerous.
For the all-too-common mold that goes along with foundation and water damage, reach out to a professional remediation company to get rid of destructive mold before it takes over.
In Santa Rosa and surrounding areas in Sonoma County, schedule an appointment with RCS. Our mold remediation specialists can thoroughly inspect and remediate mold in your home caused by foundation damage and more.
