Reasons Why Cracks in Brickwork Can Indicate Water Damage

There are several signs that your home is experiencing water damage due to moisture seeping in through your foundation. The presence of mold and mildew are obvious signs that moisture has made its way in. A less obvious indication, however, is the presence of a crack in your masonry work.

Understanding the Structure of Your Masonry Work Is Important

The first thing to know when you discover a crack in the exterior of your home is what type of masonry was used in its construction. For example, is your brickwork solid or is it a veneer? The difference is that a veneer is a decorative use of stone and brick in front of a wooden frame that supports the house. Solid masonry, on the other hand, is actually bearing the weight of your home.

There are also two different types of brick veneer. The first is an anchored veneer in which the brick or stone is adhered to a supporting wall with no gap. An attached veneer, however, leaves a space between the load bearing wall and the brickwork itself. Once you have a discovered the type of masonry for your home, you can garner a better understanding of the issue at hand.

Several Causes Can Be the Culprit Behind the Crack in Your Foundation

Many times, a change in humidity can be to blame for the fracture in your stone or brick foundation. The key is knowing what causes this change in humidity. If the original grading and drainage system is no longer sufficient, then water may be moving toward your foundation instead of away from it.

Other indications that increased moisture is behind the crack in your brickwork can be found inside your home. If your floors become uneven and begin slanting in one direction, this can be a sign that water is causing damage to your home’s foundation and leading to the cracks.

Another cause of cracks in your foundation is roots that grow into your home from nearby trees and plants. Root systems tend to travel toward water sources. If moisture increases in the soil surrounding your home, then it will attract roots toward its foundation. A change in the moisture content of the soil will also cause expanding and contracting; which further damages the foundation indicated by new cracks in its masonry.

Whatever the cause for cracks in your home’s foundation, an experienced waterproofing and repair company like Tom’s Basement Waterproofing will identify the problem and provide the right solution. Call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing at (586) 776-7270 or use our online contact form to schedule an estimate today.