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  1. #1
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
    Ron Bishop Guest

    Default Horizontal crack in foundation

    This is a 4 year old home, This crack is present at the rear of the structure. Any thoughts as to what might be the cause of this crack? I am not sure if it is a reportable condition.

    thanks, Ron

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  2. #2
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    Is this a slab house?


  3. #3
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
    Ron Bishop Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    yes this is a slab foundation


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
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    4,245

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    I can't tell much from the one photo but the first though that comes to mind is re-bar that is too close to exterior surface and is corroding and expanding.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  5. #5
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    That looks like water expansion under the slab. if it is a one peace slab and footing? then you have some Soil Hydraulic Conditions from water under the slab.

    Look for some cracks on the interior floors. You may want to pull back any flooring or carpeting and check the slab. I did not see any rust from the cracks. but dont rule out rebar problems.

    Best

    Ron
    Excellence Exterminating and Thermal Imaging


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Healdsburg, CA
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    1,741

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    My shot:
    We used to go to and by Mt. Shasta at least twice a year (trout fishing in the McCloud River) and there was always plenty of earthquake activity in those northern parts of California. Horizontal cracking in concrete foundations in such seismically active areas usually indicated horizontal movement whereas vertical cracking was usually the result of up-down movement from expansive soils, over-loading, and fill settlement to name a few.

    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    I see two cracks. The other one being above the first, it looks like it was patched at some point. Looks like a recurring problem to me.
    Is that a sidewalk or driveway next to the slab?
    Other than that I don't know squat about california soil conditions. Good luck.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  8. #8
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
    Ron Bishop Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    It's a back porch next to the slab, and 1 coat stucco above it.


  9. #9
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
    Ron Bishop Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    Would this be a reportable condition?


  10. #10
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    You bet. If only a note: in your report.


    Best

    Ron


  11. #11
    Ron Bishop's Avatar
    Ron Bishop Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    I took a pic of it and put it in the report, with a recommendation to monitor.


  12. #12
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    This would be a SE/repair item on my report.


  13. #13
    Zane Remenda's Avatar
    Zane Remenda Guest

    Default Re: Horizontal crack in foundation

    Hi Ron,

    Typically a horizontal crack is caused by vibrations, such as the post by Jerry McCarthy is logical. Another probable explanation is that it is from large trucks that drive by carrying building materials. Especially if the cement has not "cured" enough.

    I have seen this on a few occasions. This was the explanation given to me by a structural engineer.

    Zane


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