Cracks and Regina basements go together like peanut butter and jelly – you rarely see one without the other. Cracks are never a good sign, but they are pretty common and, depending on the type and severity of crack, can be nothing to worry about or a huge problem. Let’s look at a few different types of foundation cracks and what they can mean:

VERTICAL CRACKS

These are usually the least worrisome of cracks and quite common in basements, especially in Regina. They often happen within a few years after construction as the concrete foundation settles. The most common risk associated with vertical cracks is water seeping in during particularly periods of particularly heavy participation. These cracks can usually be fixed easily and permanently by injecting a flexible sealing material into the crack. Ensuring that rainfall is diverted from around your house will also prevent water from saturating the ground around your foundation and seeping through cracks.

HORIZONTAL CRACKS

Horizontal cracks are much more serious than the others because they usually mean your foundation is bowing, which can actually result in the collapse of your house! This can be caused by several factors including improper drainage and overly compressed backfill around your foundation. There are several solutions to remedy this, depending on the cause, but these cracks should be assessed by an experienced, licensed engineer and repaired by professionals.

DIAGONAL CRACKS

Diagonal cracks are usually caused by a change in the ground around your foundation, resulting in a corner of the house settling lower than the others. The repair usually calls for an injectable, flexible sealant, like with vertical cracks, but usually requires more. Discovering the cause of the crack will also help determine the best way to repair it. These cracks often appear quite wide on one end, and more narrow on the other.

STEP OR STAIRWAY CRACKS

You often will see this kind of ascending crack on the exterior of concrete block foundations. The cause is often the same as diagonal cracks and are treated in a similar fashion.

Our team can assess the cracks in your basement and determine the best way to repair them. Contact us for an assessment today.

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Water, water, water (and water again)

Keeping your new lawn well-watered is imperative in the first month so the sod takes root and flourishes. Water it immediately after installation to the point of being spongy and then regularly in the following weeks. The amount of times you should water your new sod is up for debate and will depend on factors like temperature, weather and amount of sun your grass gets. It’s a good rule of thumb to water it twice a day for week one, once a day for week two, every other day for weeks three and four, then resume a regular watering schedule. Watering a little less every week will help your sod develop deep, healthy roots. Just be sure not to overwater as it can result in shallow roots or stop air from reaching the roots.

Please stay off the grass

Try to keep your family and pets off the new sod for at least two weeks after installation and only go on it to do the care and maintenance needed. Give your new sod a chance to get used to its new home and develop a strong root bed without any interruptions.

Mow mowing, mow problems

Don’t over mow your new lawn. Wait at least a week after your sod has been laid before mowing for the first time and don’t cut your grass shorter than 3 inches. Keeping your grass a little longer gives your lawn a lush look, helps retain water and helps your grass choke out invasive weeds like dandelions, clover and crabgrass. Be sure to watch your mower wheels the first time you cut to make sure they don’t get caught in the seams between sod panels.

When to fertilize

You shouldn’t fertilize your new lawn for at least six weeks after installation. Wait until week six or seven to spread fertilizer, if needed. Then resume a regular lawn fertilizer schedule. You shouldn’t need to fertilize your lawn until fall, when you would usually fertilize.

The team at Textured Terrain can help you make the most of your yard. Contact us today.

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