Hi,
I've recently noticed an issue in my basement. I have a 4-Level split home and this issue is occuring on the third level.
About a foot under my ledge, where my Windows are (so an outside wall), I have noticed a very thin line, not so much a crack, but more of a line in the drywall running horizontally across the wall. Also, when you rub the wall, you can feel a bump, like the wall is bowing.
I have found this online, which seems to coincide with the issue, but this relates to a foundation crack, and, still being winter here, I can't dig up the side of my house to actually see if there is a crack.
HORIZONTAL FOUNDATION CRACKS - Patterns
These notes presume that you are examining a wall which is entirely or nearly all below-grade level.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks Located High on a Foundation Wall
Horizontal foundation cracks located in the upper third of a concrete block wall (presuming most of the wall is below grade) are most likely to have been caused by vehicle loading or in freezing climates, by surface and subsurface water combined with frost. In northern climates if we see cracked mortar joints in the top third of a block wall, at about the same depth as the frost line in that area the damage is almost certainly due to frost. Often outside we'll find corroborating evidence such as drip lines below the building eaves confirming a history of roof spillage against the building, and back inside we may see that the foundation damage is occurring only at the building walls below roof eaves and not at the gable ends of the home.
I have since bought some soil and created a slope away from the house in an attempt to at least lessen the damage any further until I can dig up the side of the house and see if there is actually a crack.
Has anyone ever seen this? I can't find much online. Any suggestions?
Many thanks in Advance...
Eric.
I've recently noticed an issue in my basement. I have a 4-Level split home and this issue is occuring on the third level.
About a foot under my ledge, where my Windows are (so an outside wall), I have noticed a very thin line, not so much a crack, but more of a line in the drywall running horizontally across the wall. Also, when you rub the wall, you can feel a bump, like the wall is bowing.
I have found this online, which seems to coincide with the issue, but this relates to a foundation crack, and, still being winter here, I can't dig up the side of my house to actually see if there is a crack.
HORIZONTAL FOUNDATION CRACKS - Patterns
These notes presume that you are examining a wall which is entirely or nearly all below-grade level.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks Located High on a Foundation Wall
Horizontal foundation cracks located in the upper third of a concrete block wall (presuming most of the wall is below grade) are most likely to have been caused by vehicle loading or in freezing climates, by surface and subsurface water combined with frost. In northern climates if we see cracked mortar joints in the top third of a block wall, at about the same depth as the frost line in that area the damage is almost certainly due to frost. Often outside we'll find corroborating evidence such as drip lines below the building eaves confirming a history of roof spillage against the building, and back inside we may see that the foundation damage is occurring only at the building walls below roof eaves and not at the gable ends of the home.
- Cold climates- frost, possible displacement inwards
- Possible vehicle loading, displacement inwards
I have since bought some soil and created a slope away from the house in an attempt to at least lessen the damage any further until I can dig up the side of the house and see if there is actually a crack.
Has anyone ever seen this? I can't find much online. Any suggestions?
Many thanks in Advance...
Eric.