Wall Cracks - How Long Will It Take For My House to Settle? Youngstown, OH
Wall cracks, particularly in the basement, are a homeowners’ worst nightmare. Many homeowners imagine that these cracks signify a severe structural problem that will cost them an arm and a leg to repair.
The good news is that wall cracks aren’t always a sign of a problem with the foundation. Many times these cracks are a result of settling. House settling is a natural process. Soon after a home is constructed, it begins to sink into the ground. This process is gradual and can barely be noticed. It also often doesn’t result in structural damage. It is, therefore, nothing to worry about.
However, there are instances when settling can become a source of concern. This is when settling occurs too fast or is uneven. This depends on how the weather changes and the geographical properties of the location in which the house is built.
If the cracks in your home are large and are accompanied by damage such as uneven floors, sticking of windows or doors, and gaps in the home's upper levels, you may have good reason to be concerned. These are all signs of structural damage that should be addressed soon.
How long does it take for a house to settle?
One of the most common questions homeowners have regarding settling is how long it will take for their home to settle. After all, who wants to start on repairs only to find that their homes are damaged once again due to settling?
The answer is, it depends. If your home has been built on a solid foundation, it won’t take a long time to settle. The movement will be limited as there is little room to relax. This is the ideal situation. In such cases, it takes about a year before the building can be said to have stabilized. Some facilities take up to two years to settle.
The weather and the geography of the location affect the settling time. Humidity, cold temperature, freezing, wet weather, and drought all affect the rate at which a house settles.
Repairing wall cracks resulting from settling
Repairing cracks is about much more than patching them up or sealing them to prevent water seepage. It is best to have an expert inspect your foundation before investing in repairs. The inspection will reveal whether the settling is normal and if there is anything you should worry about. You may have to wait it out and repair the cracks when your home is more stable. You may need to invest in repairs such as installing helical piers to support the home.
Contact the professionals at Ohio State Waterproofing today! 330-467-1055
