Foundation Repair in Midwood, Brooklyn

What Foundation Problems Do Older Midwood Houses Have?

The common ones are hairline cracks, stair step cracks in block or brick, damp walls and floors that slope. Midwood houses are often decades old, with foundations that have seen many freezes, roots and rain. Most cracks are not dangerous, but a few point to real movement.

Midwood is inland, so it does not have the coastal flooding of some Brooklyn neighborhoods. Its problems come from age, tree roots, drainage and soil that has moved. Heavy rain can also back up sewers.

Detached houses here often have full basements, and the walls are poured concrete, block or old brick. Each cracks differently. A vertical hairline crack in poured concrete is often shrinkage. A stair step crack in block often means settlement.

Large trees pull water from the soil. In dry spells the soil shrinks and the foundation can settle. When rain comes, it swells. That cycle can open and close cracks over a year.

A crack that widens in summer and narrows in winter points to soil moisture. A crack that only grows points to steady movement and needs a closer look. We measure and record both.

Which Cracks in a Midwood Foundation Are Serious?

Wide cracks, cracks that grow, horizontal cracks, cracks that leak and cracks with the wall bowing inward are serious. Narrow cracks that never change are often cosmetic. Sticking doors, sloping floors and gaps at the wall are other warning signs to check.

Take photos and mark the ends of a crack with pencil and a date. If it moves, call. We can also talk you through what to look for on the phone.