When it comes to identifying cracked foundation in the home, it is not always cause for alarm. Know what to look for to determine settling or shifting of a foundation.

1. Building construction is a fascinating topic when it comes to the support
at its base. A foundation is basically hardened concrete supported by
forms, rebar and compacted soil. Thousands of pounds rest on this
concrete pad. It makes sense that some anomalies might occur over
time. Take a moment to learn about normal settling and serious shifting
when it comes to a cracked foundation.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

2. The Water Factor
A telltale sign that indicates a shifted foundation is water around the home's
perimeter. If there are any crawlspaces, water might puddle here too. This
moisture might come from cracked pipes within the foundation. There could
also be a natural reservoir being infringed upon by the shifting concrete.
If you notice any unexplained water around your San Antonio property, focus
on its cause. Leaving water in and around the property will only lead to
further erosion. This scenario is considered a serious, shifting problem if it
goes overlooked.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

3. Narrow Fissures
Cracked foundation professionals will classify your property as settling if
narrow fissures are present. In general, cracks that are narrower than one-
quarter of an inch aren't cause for concern. Concrete doesn't automatically
cure after being poured. It takes months and sometimes years to entirely
harden. The ground shifts along with the structure. It's natural to have some
small cracks as indicators of settling over the years.
Keep an eye on any cracks that are moving, however. Harmless cracks
remain the same size. Growing cracks may be the beginning of a shifting
scenario. Foundation contractors must evaluate this situation before it
escalates.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

4. Pitched Floors and Staircases
Contact foundation contractors when your home seems to have a sudden angle to its
walking spaces. Your staircase may not be perfectly attached to the wall or upper floor
anymore. Look at the floor. It may be warped on the ground level.
Any of these scenarios indicates a severe movement at the foundation's level. Trusted
contractors may be able to pinpoint the cause and develop a repair plan. Most
foundations can be repaired when they're serviced as soon as the issue develops.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

5. Sealed Cracks
If you've ever replaced your carpet on the ground floor, you may have
caught a glimpse of cracks previously sealed by other owners. There's no
harm in sealing cracks that are narrow fissures. The seals should still be
intact if the foundation is normally settling.
When you observe cracks that are expanding outward from the sealed areas,
you need to react with a professional evaluation. What started out as
normal settling can now be a shift that may harm the structure. Your soil
might have expansion and contraction issues that are now extreme from
frigid temperatures or sudden heat waves.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

6. Ceiling and Wall Misalignment from a Cracked Foundation
Listening to your house throughout a given day offers you a festival of sounds.
Wood, drywall and concrete are constantly moving in minute amounts. This
scenario is normal. There shouldn't be any observable shifts at the wall-and-
ceiling connections, however.
Take a look at these structural corners. Ideally, they should reflect 90-degree
angles. Materials at an angle or pulling away from each other should be taken
seriously. The foundation is moving enough that it's impacting your structure
several feet away.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting

7. Contact the Arredondo Group if you have any questions about your
property. These San Antonio foundation contractors can survey your
home and concrete pad for any problems. A cracked foundation isn't
the end of the world. You simply need to deal with it in a timely
manner.
For more information about foundation repair in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
Cracked Foundation
Woes?The Differences
BetweenSettlingand
Shifting