3 Common Causes for Foundation Cracks in Montreal

Not all cracks are serious. Sometimes, when concrete cures (fully dries), cracks may appear in the foundation walls and concrete floor (slab) that may or may not affect the structural integrity of the foundation. This is why basement contractors often advise homeowners of newly constructed homes to wait a few years before finishing their basements, allowing the foundation to settle properly.

Three Common Causes for Foundation Cracks and Leaking Basements

Have you experienced a leak in your basement or a crack in your foundation? Here are three common causes of foundation cracks and leaking basements:

1) Soil & Moisture Content

The earth beneath your home’s foundation can vary from stone in one area to soil in another. This can cause the foundation to settle unevenly and crack.

Creaking floors, stuck windows and doors, and basement leaks are signs of movement in your foundation.

Heavy backfill or premature filling of the backfill can create excessive pressure on the foundation walls, causing them to buckle inward and crack. The material used for backfill is also important, as some materials can cause excessive fluctuations during settling.

2) Changes in Temperature

Freezing and thawing cycles promote movement under your foundation walls, ultimately affecting their rigid structure.

Temperature fluctuations can cause the soil around your foundation to expand and contract. This dynamic pressure on the foundation walls contributes to the development of cracks. Monitoring these temperature changes and taking preventive measures can help avoid significant damage.

3) Water

The backfilled soil around the foundation is more porous than the surrounding area, absorbing additional water near your foundation walls. It’s essential to ensure your foundation remains crack-free.

Bedrock naturally drains water but can be obstructed by your home’s presence, increasing water accumulation near the foundation walls.

As noted earlier, soil shifts over time; thus, ensure proper grading (soil angled away from the home to move water away from the foundation walls).

Other Factors That Can Damage Your Foundation

Over time, tree roots can severely damage foundation walls by pressing against the structure and infiltrating through cracks. Tree roots can also push upward from under the foundation, causing poor settling of the house. While roots may help absorb water, they can leave certain areas of the backfill dry, leading to uneven settling and movement in the foundation.

If your house is located near a major roadway or railroad, vibrations from these sources can weaken your basement foundation walls.

What Should I Do Moving Forward - Good Foundation Habits

Montreal’s winter months can be harsh on your foundation structure, freezing the soil around your home one month and thawing it a few months later. This can cause movement in the surrounding soil, potentially leading to foundation and structural cracks over time. It’s important to keep an eye out for changes and minor cracks on both the interior and exterior walls of your home. When was the last time you checked the perimeter of your home? Besides the inside of your home, which you see often, make it a point to walk around the outside of your house (once before the winter season and once after) to note any concerns and whether they have worsened over time. A 5-minute walk around twice a year can save thousands in water damage down the road. If you’re unsure about your basement’s structure, contact your local foundation expert!