At Maestro’s Foundation Repair, we’ve inspected thousands of homes across Dallas and North Texas. A very common concern we often hear is, “Are these foundation cracks serious?” Cracks can appear in many places in your home. Some are due to the home settling, and others are from the foundation shifting. Some common spots to look out for are your walls, driveway, garage slab, or the foundation itself. Some cracks are just superficial, while others can be a sign of deeper foundation issues. In this blog, we’ll help you figure out what action to take to protect your home.
Are Exterior Cracks in Your Home A Sign of An Issue?
If you start to notice cracks on exterior concrete like your driveway, patio, or walkways, this could be a sign of North Texas expansive clay soil causing issues. Changes in climate can also accelerate the issue and make it worse if not addressed. Hairline cracks might not be cause for alarm, but you should be on the lookout for:
- Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
- Cracks that feel damp or wet when no rainfall has hit
- If a crack gets worse over time
These signs can show signs of foundation movement or root pressure from nearby trees. Always keep an eye out for these areas and get a professional opinion before thinking about doing any DIY repairs. Foundation repair requires more expertise than just lifting your home. Doing any DIY may result in making the problem worse or cause permanent damage to your home’s foundation.
What Causes Foundation Cracks in Homes in Dallas, TX?
Dallas, TX homes sit on highly expansive clay soil that swells during wet conditions and contracts during long droughts. This movement places tremendous stress on foundations, often resulting in:
- Vertical or diagonal cracks in concrete walls
- Slab cracks that widen or separate
- Step-like cracks in brick or stone façades
Other actions that could affect your home are if there is poor drainage, old construction, or nearby trees pulling moisture from the soil. All could cause unwanted stress in your home.
When Foundation Cracks Require Professional Repair
Not every crack is a sign of foundation damage, but some are. You should contact Maestro’s Foundation Repair for an inspection if you notice:
- Cracks in your slab or garage floor wide enough to trip over
- Long diagonal or stair-step cracks on walls
- Moisture seeping through floor or wall cracks
- Foundation wall cracks at corners or junctions
These types of cracks could indicate structural problems, especially when accompanied by sticking doors, sloping floors, or gaps in trim.
DIY Repairs vs. Professional Repairs
If you’re considering repairing minor cracks with concrete filler or sealant, that’s okay for purely cosmetic issues. But it’s smart to get a professional opinion before you apply a quick fix. Why, you may ask?
- A surface crack might be hiding a deeper foundation issue
- DIY repairs could hide symptoms that could get worse over time
- Improper repairs can lead to further cracking
At Maestro’s, we offer free foundation inspections for homes in Dallas. We’ll assess the severity of cracks and determine whether foundation repair, slab reinforcement, or drainage correction is needed. Read more about why DIY foundation repair would be a bad idea here.
Why Choose Maestro’s Foundation Repair
With over 20 years of experience in Texas soils and structures, Maestro’s Foundation Repair understands how to evaluate and address every type of foundation crack. Whether it’s minor movement or serious structural damage, we provide honest assessments and reliable repair solutions.
If you’re unsure about the cracks in your foundation or concrete, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your free inspection and gain the peace of mind that your home is safe, secure, and structurally sound.