How to Tell If , Foundation Cracks , Are Minor or Major Problems.<br />Lifehacker recently offered readers some tips for <br />identifying if cracks in a foundation are harmless <br />or something that impacts structural integrity.<br />Here are some of the <br />warning signs that experts <br />recommended looking out for.<br />Non-threatening cracks are generally small, <br />not larger than an eighth of an inch, <br />and don't allow moisture through.<br />Another sign of a harmless crack <br />is that it doesn't grow up <br />or down or to either side.<br />Many harmless cracks can be caused <br />by flaws in the curing process <br />and don't require maintenance. .<br />Cracks to be concerned about can appear damp, <br />will be wider than an eighth of an inch or show <br />some type of movement or change in size.<br />Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one <br />corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks <br />that appear below the soil line should be addressed.<br />Similarly, diagonal cracks, cracks that travel from one <br />corner of a wall to another corner, or any vertical cracks <br />that appear below the soil line should be addressed.<br />Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors <br />or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope <br />of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.<br />Other warning signs of a foundation issue include doors <br />or door frames that are out of alignment, a tilt in the slope <br />of a floor or dampness in a basement or crawlspace.<br />If in doubt, it's always best <br />to have a professional inspect <br />any cracks you find in your foundation.<br />Paying for an inspection is much cheaper <br />than the potential repairs associated with <br />letting a leaky foundation go unaddressed
