There are very few concrete foundations you can observe with absolutely no existing cracks. Some are just small and cause no real problems beyond the looks of the structure, but some are major and indicate a real problem is starting to surface. There are a few things to look at that will help determine if you need to spend money on concrete crack filler in order to fix a concrete foundation in Houston.
Concrete Curing
It takes a while for concrete to cure. It’s a process of solidifying in which the moisture gradually leaves the material, turning it into solid. However, all concrete can develop little hairline cracks due to shrinking as it cures. It may be a bit of an eyesore, but it poses no real threat to the integrity of the foundation. But, there are products available that can improve cracks for cosmetic purposes, even if it’s not a project that has to be done out of necessity. Using concrete crack filler in Houston is just not a high priority for this type of cosmetic issue.
Concrete Settling
There are times when cracks in concrete foundations should be of high concern, though. If the foundation has settled away from other portions of the foundation due to uneven soil, it will cause destabilization in the structure. Find a qualified expert and use concrete crack filler in Houston before the problem gets out of hand and becomes very expensive to fix. A proper fix involves much more than simply slapping on some epoxy or other “miracle” product. You need a product applied that will adhere to the existing concrete, and it has to be done in a way that creates a permanent solution.
Water Damage
Basements, crawl spaces, and slab foundations can all take a beating from water intrusion, both above and below ground. Periods of excessive water exposure can wear down the concrete and weaken it. It can also wash away some of the ground materials that it rests on. At this point, a simple shift in the weight will cause dramatic cracks in the foundation concrete that have to be repaired right away. This is when concrete crack filling in Houston becomes a very important task to be done, in order to avoid structural damage caused by a shifting foundation.
It may be hard to predict how stable the ground is below your structure, but you can use the development of cracks in the concrete foundation as an indicator that there may be a problem later on. The sooner you can have it inspected, the faster it can be repaired to counter major damage. It may be necessary to add a better drainage system to help prevent the need for concrete crack filler in Houston. You can visit Dura Pier Foundation Repair or you can watch videos on Youtube.
