TYPES OF BASEMENT CRACKS – CAUSE AND CURES
- HAIRLINE CRACKS – OR THOSE A LITTLE BIGGER Small surface cracks, aka hairline cracks, are common and nothing to worry about. ...
- SPALLING Spalling is the general deterioration of the surface of the concrete. ...
- CRACKS AT THE BASE OF FOUNDATION WALLS ...
- BASEMENT FLOOR CRACKS CAUSED BY SETTLING ...
- CRACKS WITH SINKING OR HEAVING SLABS ...
Full Answer
How do you repair a crack in a basement floor?
Wider Crack Repair
- Clean and Remove Debris. Start by sticking a screwdriver into the crack to loosening any debris. ...
- Wedge Foam in Crack. Using a product called Backer Rod, we are going to wedge it down into the crack to prevent our filler from seeping down ...
- Fill The Crack. Next, using a concrete patch epoxy, we can now begin to fill the crack. ...
When to start worrying about basement foundation cracks?
BASEMENT HAIRLINE CRACK: As long as the crack in the basement is less than ½ inch, it is nothing to worry about but if it keeps growing, you would need a professional foundation repair specialist to look into it and decide what needs to be done. Categorized under the diagonal cracks, these are a result of differential settling.
What causes cracks in the basement floor?
- Water intrusion: No matter the cause, any foundation crack can allow water to seep in from the outside, especially during times of heavy rain. ...
- Structural problem: It’s impossible to avoid all foundation cracks, especially those caused by shrinkage. ...
- Pest invasion: Small insects can enter your home through surprisingly small cracks. ...
When to worry about a basement crack?
However, some cracks pose a cause for concern. If the cracks grow gradually bigger with time, become larger than 1/8-inch, cause the unevenness of the floor surface, or display other signs of serious damage to the structure, then this is the time you should be worried and must address the issue as soon as possible.
Is it normal for basement floor to crack?
The short answer is yes—cracks in concrete floors are normal, if not inevitable. As concrete cures, it will naturally develop tiny cracks as the mix dries and water evaporates. Over time, your concrete basement floors may also crack due to uniform settlement.
When should I be concerned about cracks in basement floor?
1/8-inch or wider cracks should be sealed. Like hairline cracks, these cracks that are slightly wider are likely the result of shrinkage and are not a sign of a serious foundation problem. However, even small cracks in the basement floor can allow water, moisture, and radon to enter the basement.
What does a crack in your basement floor mean?
Small cracks in the basement floor commonly result from shrinkage as the concrete dries, which pulls the concrete apart. These types of cracks can show up as long as a year after the basement floor is poured, depending on how quickly the slab dries and how humid the basement is.
Should I worry about cracks in my concrete floor?
Generally, cracks in your floor are nothing to worry yourself over. The only time that you might be concerned is if the cracks start changing vertically, suggesting that there is some settling happening.
How much concrete cracking is acceptable?
A crack in a slab of 1/8 inch or less is typically a normal shrinkage crack and not a cause for concern. If the crack is larger or growing larger (an “active” crack), or one side of the crack is higher than the other, then you may need to have the work reviewed by a structural engineer.
How do you fix hairline cracks in basement floor?
Apply a concrete patch to the crack, making sure there are no gaps or uneven areas. Smooth the patch with a putty knife. If the crack requires a second patch, then wait for the first layer to dry before applying the second coat. Seal the concrete patch and allow it to dry for several days.
Are cracks in concrete floor normal?
Cracks in concrete are common and they develop when stresses in the concrete exceed its strength. Cracks are often caused by normal shrinkage of the concrete when hardening and drying.
Does cracked concrete Mean foundation problems?
A long horizontal crack near the middle of the wall (vertically) may indicate pressure on the wall from the soil. A long diagonal crack may indicate foundation settlement or uplift, especially if the crack is wider on one end.
Should I seal my basement floor?
Whether you plan on finishing your basement space or keeping it in its original state, it is important to apply a waterproof sealant to the concrete floor in order to lock out moisture. An epoxy-coated basement floor is one of the best ways to maintain and preserve your space.
How can you tell if a concrete crack is structural?
Characteristics of structural cracksOver 1/10 inch wide – Structural cracks are usually wider than 1/10 inch (often wider at one end than the other) and grow larger over time.Stair step cracks in block or brick walls.Horizonal foundation cracks in walls, with or without bowing – These are almost always structural.More items...•
Do hairline cracks in concrete get worse?
Yes, in about a month, hairline cracks should subside. While shrinkage cracks can show up on the surface within hours of having concrete poured, it takes a full monthfor new concrete to fully settle. Don't be surprised if cracks that seemed visible at first are nearly impossible to see after a month of settling.
What is the most common cause of cracking in concrete?
Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will be.
Are cracks in concrete floor normal?
Cracks in concrete are common and they develop when stresses in the concrete exceed its strength. Cracks are often caused by normal shrinkage of the concrete when hardening and drying.
How common are cracks in foundation?
Foundation cracks are one of the most common foundation problems. Bad soil, or soil that is too wet around the foundation, can cause the foundation to crack and lead to other foundation problems such as: Settlement: Downward movement of the foundation.
What causes a bump in the floor in a garage?
Roots. Most commonly found on slab-foundations, these growing trees can push your floor up, causing “speed bumps” in your garage or slab. These roots can even lift your foundation! There is only one way to deal with it, cut the roots and replace the floor.
What happens when a house sinks into the ground?
As the home sinks into the ground, it will take the basement floor, and the floors above for that matter, with it. This will cause cracks along the floor that will correspond to cracks on the foundation wall. Think the Titanic breaking as it sank into the ocean.
Why does water pressure push up the floor?
In some extreme cases, water pressure from underneath the floor (due to lack of drain tile, high water table, monsoon rains, etc.) can literally push the floor up, like a zit on a teenager in High School. In the most extreme cases, the zit pops. I’ve personally seen it over a foot high, which then geysered and flooded the basement.
Can you stitch cracks together?
Once that issue is handled, we can “stitch” the crack together much the same way that we stitch together a cut on our bodies. Instead of silk, catgut, or synthetic materials, we use Carbon Fiber Crack Locks ( Carbon Fiber Staples for Foundation Crack Repairs ). These are stitches for your foundation and will help reinforce the crack repair. They even look like stitches!
How Do You Fix Cracks in a Basement Floor and What Does it Cost?
Depending on the size of the crack, repairs could cost as little as $7-$10 for a tube of elastomeric caulk or as much as $14 to $18 per sq/ft for concrete replacement.
What is the term for cracks in basement floor?
Major cracks in basement floor sections should be addressed. For serious damage, the sunken section should be raised, often called slab-jacking or mudjacking. Or it should be broken up, removed and replaced.
How to tell if a concrete slab has a hairline crack?
Hairline cracks are jagged, straight or a bit of a jumble. The concrete remains level – no sinking or rising of the slab in the vicinity of the cracks.
What is a slab jacking?
Slab-jacking – Material, often polyurethane foam, is injected through holes drilled into the slab. The material is under enough pressure to raise the concrete slab back into place.
Why does concrete crumble when poured?
This problem won’t affect the structure of the floor, but it does indicate the concrete had too much water in it when poured. Water rises in the mix and weakens the surface, so it crumbles under weight. If spalling occurs in a floor you paid to have installed, call the contractor and expect them to provide the remedy at their cost – usually a resurfacing of the floor.
How long does it take for a concrete floor to crack?
Small surface cracks, aka hairline cracks, are common and nothing to worry about. They are the first to show up – often within a year of when the concrete floor was poured. As the concrete fully cures over months, minor shrinkage causes the surface to crack.
Can you spall a slab?
There is no perfect fix for spalling short of tearing out the slab and starting over. Since that’s not gonna happen – and there is no need for it – you’ve got the same choices as those for dealing with minor cracks which is to say resurface your concrete or install a floor covering using, typically, a basement floating floor system.
Why do basement floors crack?
However, there are many reasons why a foundation cracks, such as settling of the home, concrete shrinkage and curing, stress, and poor construction.
Why are there cracks in my basement floor?
However, even small cracks in the basement floor can allow water, moisture, and radon to enter into the basement.
What causes a concrete slab to crack?
Settlement causes cracked, uneven concrete basement floors. (Photo: Supportworks) When a foundation settles, the concrete slab can crack and the part of the slab that's less supported sinks into the depression. The resulting uneven surface can create a tripping hazard.
What does it mean when a basement floor is heaving?
Heaving suggests that the soil beneath the basement floor is expanding. Heaving is especially common in areas with clay soil. When the soil becomes wet, it creates enough pressure to lift and crack a concrete slab floor. What to Do: Call a professional foundation repair contractor.
How long does it take for a basement floor to crack?
These types of cracks can show up as long as a year after the basement floor is poured, depending on how quickly the slab dries and how humid the basement is.
What to do if a cove joint cracks?
What to Do: Sealing the gap isn't recommended since the sealant can crack. The most effective solution to keep water and moisture out of the cove joint is with a basement waterproofing system (interior drain tile and a sump pump), which helps relieve hydrostatic pressure. Hairline cracks don’t require repair.
What to do with uneven concrete?
PolyLevel uses a high-density polyurethane formula to permanently lift and stabilize a sinking concrete slab. Penny-sized holes are drilled into the slab and a structural-grade polymer is injected into the void. The polyurethane material expands, lifting and leveling the slab.
How many feet of concrete will crack?
That’s because those large obvious joints aren’t easy to lay tile and carpet on. As a general rule of thumb, any slab of concrete over nine feet will crack. Sorry for any of you who say that your basement floor never had cracks in it. You probably just didn’t notice them.
How to stop cracks in concrete slab?
The cheapest of these pricy options is to fill the whole slab with steal mesh. This will still allow cracks to occur, because the concrete is shrinking around all this mesh, and the mesh might not be shrinking with it. The idea though, is that the mesh will keep the concrete from settling or from separating too badly. We do not install mesh, because it’s a high cost additive that doesn’t fully stop cracks from occurring. And since we pour your floor on compacted fill, we’re not worried about settling issues.
Why do you put rebar in concrete?
One is to place rebar into the concrete. Like most builders, we do this. Granted, it doesn’t prevent all cracks. We place rebar in several strategic locations to keep the concrete from settling and pulling away from places it needs to be. It also helps lend strength to the slab.
How long does it take for concrete to harden?
That means, your concrete will keep getting harder as long as you have it. The first seven days are the most critical time for concrete. The majority of the hardness happens at this time, and contrary to some rumors you may have heard, the concrete is not flexible at this stage.
Can you caulk a crack in a concrete patio?
Caulking cracks in your floor does very little good. People are often worried about water coming up through the cracks, but on a patio home, your floor is well above any underground water. If you had a basement, then that would be different. Water would always be a concern, but even then, the cracks would do little to stop the water from penetrating, because concrete is not waterproof. It is porous, and water will leach through solid concrete and still flood your basement if it is present.
Can porcelain tile crack?
Ceramic or porcelain tile can struggle over cracks too. Since the concrete will always move just a hair from hot to cold seasons, those cracks might cause havoc for tile, causing joints or even the tiles themselves to crack.
Can concrete cracks stop water from penetrating?
Water would always be a concern, but even then, the cracks would do little to stop the water from penetrating, because concrete is not waterproof. It is porous, and water will leach through solid concrete and still flood your basement if it is present. Once your carpeting and hard flooring are in place, you’ll quickly forget all about those cracks.
What to do if you notice cracks in your foundation?
If you notice any unusual cracks in your home’s foundation, contact a qualified foundation repair company.
Why does my foundation crack?
There are several reasons why your home’s foundation may crack. Common reasons include settling, poor drainage, and unstable soils. The size and type of cracks often indicate the severity of your home’s structural problems. In the U.S., about 60 percent of houses are constructed on clay soil.
Why does concrete crack?
In poured concrete foundation walls, shrinkage cracks can be caused by omitted or improper steel reinforcement, rapid curing or poor mix.
How to tell if a foundation is leaking?
When inspecting your home for foundation issues, be on the lookout for the following signs: 1 Chimney leaning away from the house 2 Bowing or leaning foundation walls 3 Cracks in walls and ceilings 4 Creaking floors 5 Sloped or un-level floors 6 Cracks in the concrete slab or garage floor 7 Cracked or loose floor tiles 8 Sticking or rubbing doors and windows 9 Opening or self-closing doors 10 Gaps at doors and windows, racked or distorted 11 Cracks at door and window corners 12 Stucco cracks 13 Cracks in brick siding 14 Sagging or wavy roof
Why do older homes need foundation inspections?
Generally, older homes have more structural issues , and consequently, need frequent foundation inspections. Cracks in foundations can cause a myriad of issues. For instance, leaks in the walls of the basement, problems with windows and doors, roof issues, and framing issues.
Why does my home foundation fail?
Lack or insufficient steel reinforcement in the foundation may cause your home’s foundation structure to fail. Second story added. Cracks may appear if your home has a second story added and the original footings were not strengthened or designed for a two-story building. Engineering.
How many types of cracks are there in a foundation?
There are three types of foundation cracks. They are as follows:
