Settlement Cracks in a Basement Slab Following Renovation

New cracks radiating across a basement slab following a recent addition or heavy renovation usually indicate that the footing beneath the addition is settling at a different rate than the original footing. The slab serves as a stress indicator.

New Jersey additions are often built on footings poured into disturbed fill left from the excavation itself, which leads to post-construction settlement. Underpinning the addition footing transfers the load to a stable bearing stratum and halts the progression.