Structural cracks v/s Non-Structural Cracks

Difference between Non – Structural and Structural Foundation Cracks

Do you have cracked walls in your building or house? Do these foundational cracks increase with time? What is the leading cause of these cracks? All these questions often come to mind after seeing cracks in the walls. We all find these cracks very ugly and intolerable. Let us find the answer to all the above questions and learn more about “Foundation Cracks.”

Foundation Wall Cracks are vertical and horizontal cracks in the foundation walls that increase with time. These cracks occur via settling in the concrete foundation, which is quite common in newly constructed buildings. The term settling signifies a variety of natural processes that cause a house or structure to sink into the ground over the years. This settling is a normal phenomenon that houses go through and has a lot to do with the soil beneath it besides the local climate, which plays an important role in influencing the settling process. The disadvantages of these cracks are:-

  • Damp and Rusty houses! These cracks reduce the beauty of your home and make it look ugly and lifeless.
  • The foundational cracks also reduce the lifecycle of the structure. The chances of building collapse or damage are maximum. Also, it has proved to be a threat to human life too. Thus, this needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
  • The cracks in the walls increase over time and, if not fixed, could lead to the problem of damps and leakages (even in the new construction). Hence, it is suggestible to fix it permanently.
  • The cracks are like termites. They hollow the building’s whole structure, just like the termites do with the wood, and keep on increasing over the years.
  • The cracks are a major threat to the building and are responsible for spreading various health problems and diseases among the family members or people staying around. The moisture trapped inside the wall makes it hollow and weak from the inside. Thus, form damp on the wall along with water accumulation within the structure. This collected water is a powerhouse for various diseases and acts as a threat to living beings around.

Types of Foundation Cracks

Vertical Cracks:

These types of cracks occur due to the oil settlement and create a lot of pressure on the wall, leading to cracking. Vertical cracks absorb lots of water and need repairing.

Horizontal Cracks:

These cracks are formed when horizontal pressure is exerted against the wall from the outside. These are severe cracks and can cause a lot of damage if not repaired in time.

Stair Step Cracks:

These types of cracks attack mortar joints between individual blocks due to solid pressure or settlement. These cracks run through the wall and form a stair-step pattern. These types of cracks often show foundation problems and need repairing.

As discussed above, Cracks in the wall is a serious affair, and we have to find a permanent solution for that. Luckily, we can fix them quickly and effectively. Before we jump into the solution to fix cracks at home let’s divide the cracks between structural and non-structural categories – to recommend a cure for each type of cracks.

Non – Structural Cracks v/s Structural Cracks

Structural Cracks – This category of cracks threatens the structural integrity of the construction or building. They can take any shape or size and needs to be addressed quickly. They can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or stair-shaped cracks with more than three millimeters in width.

Non- Structural Cracks – These are cracks with no regular shape or size and are present in your house’s foundation. These types of cracks do not affect the structural integrity of your home or building. They are fragile cracks (usually less than three millimeters in width). Climate change, poor construction material, and hydrostatic pressure are the leading causes of Non-Structural Cracks.

Now that we have an in-depth understanding of structural and non-structural cracks and the impact they can have on constructed structures. Let’s walk you through how to resolve it!

Repair Cracks with Sturdflex

Non-Structural Cracks repair with Sturdflex: To repair cracks below 3 millimeters, fill the crack’s joints with Sturdflex Acrylic Pro and cover the opening with Sturdflex Epoxy Putty.

Structural Cracks repair with Sturdflex: To repair cracks above 3 millimeters, fill the crack’s joints with Sturdflex Acrylic Pro and cover the opening with Sturdflex Polymer Modified Mortar.

These two application processes will ensure complete repair of the cracks while ensuring the cracks don’t re-appear. To get complete assistance for crack repairs in concrete, walls, foundation, pillars, and more, at your residential, commercial, or industrial place, get in touch with us at: 

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