Foundation Problems in Salt Lake County: What Causes Cracks?

Let’s break it down.

🧱 Common Causes of Foundation Cracks in Salt Lake County

1. Expansive Clay Soil

Much of Salt Lake County sits on expansive clay, which absorbs water and swells, then shrinks when dry. This constant movement places pressure on concrete foundations, leading to cracks—especially in unreinforced footings or slabs.

2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Utah’s cold winters and variable temperatures can cause the ground to freeze and thaw repeatedly. If your foundation isn’t poured below the frost line or lacks proper drainage, this movement can lead to cracking and heaving.

3. Poor Drainage

Water pooling near your foundation causes hydrostatic pressure. Without good grading, gutters, or a drainage plan, water can force its way into your concrete and cause cracking over time.

4. Improper Base Preparation

If the ground under your foundation wasn’t compacted correctly—or if the soil wasn’t stable—your foundation can settle unevenly, resulting in structural cracks.

5. Subpar Concrete or Reinforcement

Not all concrete is created equal. Low-quality mixes or insufficient rebar reinforcement can leave foundations vulnerable to early damage, especially in Salt Lake’s climate.

⚠️ When Should You Worry About Cracks?

Not all cracks are a big deal—but some signal serious issues. Watch for:

• Horizontal cracks: Can indicate foundation movement or pressure from soil

• Cracks wider than ¼ inch: More than surface-level settling

• Water seepage: Suggests drainage or structural problems

• New cracks forming over time: Could mean ongoing settling or soil issues

✅ How Sandstone Concrete Design Prevents Foundation Cracks

We’ve poured hundreds of foundations in Salt Lake County, and we know what it takes to avoid costly cracking from the start:

• Always pour below frost depth

• Compact and prep soil to engineer specs

• Use high-strength concrete mixes

• Reinforce footings and walls with properly placed rebar

• Install proper drainage where needed

Whether you’re building in Draper, Sandy, West Jordan, or Salt Lake City, we make sure your foundation is done right.

📞 Build It Right the First Time

A solid foundation is more than just concrete—it’s peace of mind.

Get a free estimate from Sandstone Concrete Design today, and let’s make sure your next project is built to last.