Cracks in the basement floor can cause homeowners to panic. The good news is that most basement floor cracks are natural and do not require repair, according to cracked floor repair experts. However, some basement floor cracks can allow water, moisture, and dangerous soil gasses to enter. This guide on cracked floors can assist you in understanding what the cracks in the foundation mean and whether they should be repaired.
No matter how tough they are, concrete floors can develop minor to significant cracks and chips. However, cracks in the floor do not indicate severe structural flaws.
Furthermore, the presence of cracks does not negate that the concrete floor is resistant to wear and tear, hammering, scrubbing, and scraping.
How Can I Repair the Concrete Floor in my Basement?
Because of the durability of the concrete floor, it is one of the more versatile flooring options that can be found almost anywhere in the room. Furthermore, they are inexpensive to install and require little upkeep. Repairing cracks in the concrete floor is one of the maintenance practices.
You should repair the cracks as soon as they appear to prevent further damage along the cracks. Securing the cracks as soon as it occurs may save you time and resources that you would otherwise use to work on the augmented crevices.
The Common Cause of Cracks in the Floors by HydroHelp911
The concrete dries quickly. Because the process requires adequate moisture, rapid drying may result in significant concrete floor cracking. After casting your concrete flooring, the hydration process continues for several weeks.
- Inadequate strength concrete was poured on the floor: Concrete comes in a variety of qualities and strengths. To avoid cracking, make sure you’re pouring standard-quality concrete.
- Control joints that are insufficient: The control joints aid in the cracking of concrete through a plane.
- Concrete is being poured on frozen ground: Ascertain that the land on which you are laying the floor is appropriate for the soil grade in your area.
- There is excessive water in the concrete mix: Many concrete flooring installers use an excessive water-to-concrete ratio to make the job easier on the job site.
However, excessive moisture weakens the concrete’s strength. Furthermore, as the concrete dries, it shrinks, making wide cracks visible on some concrete floors. To solve the problem, use the smallest possible water-to-concrete ratio.
Prevention of Basement Floor Cracks
It is critical to maintain a constant moisture level around your home to prevent cracks in the floor and the need for foundation repair. Protect your foundation in the summer by regularly using a sprayer hose or sprinkler system to keep the soil around your home from getting dehydrated due to a lack of moisture. Additionally, ensure that you have a solid foundation drainage system in place to prevent water from becoming locked around the foundation of your home. If you need foundation drainage adjustment and repairs, our structural repair contractors can perform cracked floor repair for you to fix the structural issues.
Intrusive tree roots can also be an issue, causing cracked floors in your home. They can end up causing your foundation to shift if they are allowed to creep up beneath it. Tree roots are mighty and have the potential to crack your foundation. As a result, you should avoid planting large trees and shrubs too close to your property.
Another cause of foundation issues that can lead to floor cracks is faulty construction or poor slab design. It would not be a good decision if your foundation were built with totally inadequate reinforced steel. Insufficient slab thickness may also be a source of concern.
One of the less likely reasons is the subpar concrete ready mix observed by structural repair contractors. This material is poured from a concrete truck. The reliability of your foundation will suffer if the concrete is not correctly blended (too much sand, aggregate, or water). Another possibility of cracks in the floor is that the concrete mix for your slab foundation was cast during inclement weather. If the mixture is poured on a sweltering day, this can cause problems. Since the water in the slab mix evaporates so quickly when it’s scorching outside, concrete slabs suffer from inordinate hydration at an alarming rate. When this situation occurs, the slab’s strength decreases.
If you notice floor cracks in your home, it is best to have the situation checked out as soon as possible before the condition worsens. Our experts will assess your property at no cost. So, for affordable foundation repair and waterproofing solutions, contact HydroHelp911, an expert foundation repair contractor.
Types of Basement Floor Cracks
SINKING CRACKS
Floor and wall cracks that are gradually becoming uneven must be corrected immediately. This occurred when a section of the less supported concrete sinks. Following that, surfaces may become irregular, posing a variety of hazards. It’s a good idea to hire a foundation repair professional for repairs. They will most likely use a polyurethane mixture to lift, expand, and level the concrete slab.
CRACKS CAUSED BY HEAVING
When cracks in a floor or wall swell upward, this is cause for serious concern. Heaving can be caused in the same way that cracks are. However, cracks in the floors caused by heaves may indicate that the soil beneath is expanding. If this is the situation, your floors will be lifted off their foundation, causing significant structural damage. This is a common occurrence in areas with clay soil. The best you can do is seek professional assistance from foundation repair experts before further damage and danger.
HAIRLINE CRACKS
Even though it is an unsightly sight, hairline cracks on floors do not require critical intervention. Hairline cracks, also known as small cracks, form after concrete dries. These cracks can appear in a year or less, depending on how quickly the slab dries. The area’s temperature should also be considered when determining the emergence of hairline cracks.
CRACKS 1/8-INCH OR GREATER
These cracks are also known as hairline cracks. This, however, does not imply that there is a severe problem with a structure’s foundation. However, even small cracks in your floors and walls can allow water and moisture to enter. As a result, this will only make it broader and more significant, causing even more damage. That is why these cracks must be sealed to prevent water and moisture from penetrating the concrete. A proper Moisture Control System can aid in the prevention of severe damage.
Cracks in a concrete floor or wall are unavoidable and somewhat expected. This is due to the constant shaking of the ground beneath. Aside from that, too much water added to the concrete mixture during the construction of a building can also be a factor.
Another reason is that concrete floors and walls dry faster. This can result in cracks, leading to leaking and weakening an entire building structure.
Also, see why Gutters Are Important To Your Foundation!
ARE FLOOR CRACKS IN THE HOUSE A SIGN THAT I NEED FOUNDATION REPAIR?
It’s also worth noting that too much moisture around your foundation can be problematic. Heavy precipitation and an insufficient foundation drainage system can cause excessive water to accumulate around your foundation, causing it to swell. Furthermore, plumbing leaks beneath a slab foundation or pier and beam home can cause the foundation to expand, resulting in floor cracks in your home. The continuous expansion and contraction of the soil caused by too much or too little moisture can cause your home’s perimeter beam to bend, a condition known as “panning.” Over time, this will cause floor cracks and cracks in brick, sheetrock, and other materials.
WHEN DO I NEED TO REPAIR MY CONCRETE FLOOR?
The following issues may necessitate concrete floor repair:
- When cracks develop on the floor’s surface.
- When you notice dents on the floor’s surface, the cuts could be caused by heavy and sharp objects falling onto the floor’s surface.
- The concrete floor is crumbling, resulting in the formation of a hole.
- The presence of ridges or humps caused by floor finishers.
HOW TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM?
If the soil around the foundation is not correctly graded or drained, water can accumulate and exert pressure on the foundation, causing it to crack. You can take simple steps to relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent basement cracks.
Methods for improving drainage include:
- Ensure that the landscaping is graded correctly and slopes away from the foundation.
- Maintain the cleanliness and functionality of your gutters. If you don’t already have them, install gutters and downspouts.
- Extend the downspouts away from the house to prevent water from accumulating.
- Install interior perimeter drainage and a sound sump pump system in the basement.
