For homeowners, basement crack repair can be a source of anxiety. The good thing is is that most cracks in concrete floors are common and do not require repair. Yet, certain basement floor breaches can allow water, dampness, and hazardous soil gases to enter (including radon).
You can learn what the cracks in the concrete basement floor imply and whether or not they need to be fixed with the aid of this guide.
Why do basement floors crack?
Once a house is constructed, the foundation often develops fissures. The cracks are often expected non-structural settling fractures. A foundation can fracture for various causes, including the sinking of the house, concrete shrinkage and curing, tension, and faulty construction.
How is your drainage?
Water can accumulate and exert pressure (known as hydrostatic pressure) on the foundation if the soil surrounding it is not properly graded or there is inadequate drainage. This pressure can lead to foundation cracking. You may ease hydrostatic pressure and lessen the likelihood of cracks in your basement by taking a few easy actions.
How you can improve your drainage
- Verify that the landscape is leveled appropriately and slopes away from the foundation.
- Maintain the cleanliness and functionality of your gutters. If you still need to get gutters and downspouts, install them.
- Extend your downspouts away from home to prevent water from being dumped too close to the foundation walls.
- Include interior perimeter drainage and a reliable basement sump pump system.
To establish the best way to address a fracture in your concrete basement floor, identify the type of crack it is and what caused it.
6 types of concrete floor cracks in your basement and foundation
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Heaving cracks are signs of more significant problems that need to be addressed
Heaving together with a fissure in the basement floor raises red flags. The expansion of the earth beneath the basement floor is indicated by heaving. Very frequent heaving occurs in regions with clayey soil. When the earth is moist, it exerts enough pressure to raise and shatter a concrete slab floor.
No amount of DIY foundation crack repair products will make a difference here. Contact a qualified foundation repair specialist like Zavza Seal LLC. They can evaluate the problem and make the best recommendation.
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Concrete floors containing cracks and sinking should be leveled.
The concrete slab may fracture due to foundation settlement, and the portion of the slab that is least supported will sink into the depression. A tripping hazard may occur from the fractured, uneven surface of the resultant concrete floor.
Uneven concrete floors should be leveled. PolyLevel's high-density polyurethane mix may permanently raise and stabilize a sinking concrete slab. Drilled holes the size of pennies are then filled with a structural-grade polymer. When the polyurethane material expands, the slab is raised and leveled.
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The gap in the basement wall and between the floor shouldn’t be sealed
Water seepage is typical at the cove junction, where the basement's walls and floor meet. A little space is left between the floor and walls during construction when the concrete for the walls and floor is poured. Hydrostatic pressure pushes water through the cove joint as the earth gets wet and the level of groundwater rises.
As the sealant might fracture, sealing the gap is not advised. A basement waterproofing system (internal drain tile and a sump pump), which lowers hydrostatic pressure, is the best way to keep water and moisture out of the cove joint.
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Hairline cracks shouldn’t cause so much concern.
Tiny cracks in a concrete floor are frequently caused by the material pulling apart due to shrinkage when it dries. Depending on how quickly the slab dries and how humid the basement is, these cracks may appear up to a year after the concrete basement floor has been built. If the hairline crack in your basement wall leaks, it’s time to ask for professional help.
The basement floor's little hairline fractures don't need to be fixed. With the appropriate flooring, you can conceal the cracks. The finest selections for basement flooring will only decay or grow mold when exposed to dampness. Whether the basement is utilized as a living area, laundry room, playground, or home gym, Basement Systems provides specific subflooring and waterproof basement flooring materials suited for installation in a basement.
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1/8-inch or wider cracks should be sealed.
These broader fissures, like hairline cracks, are probably caused by shrinking and do not indicate a significant foundation issue. Yet even tiny gaps in the basement floor can let radon, dampness, and water into the space.
What to Do: To prevent water, moisture, soil odors, and radon gas from leaking through the basement floor, cracks bigger than 18 inches should be filled.
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Spalling or flaking is ugly but doesn’t require repair.
It might happen when the concrete mix is too wet or has yet to be fully cured. The concrete's top layer peels off as the water evaporates and loosens it. Spalling concrete is unsightly, but there's a strong possibility the slab is still in decent condition.
What to Do: Avoid using paint to cover up the issue. The floor's surface will probably continue flaking, and the paint will come off with it when it does. Consider concrete resurfacing to make the concrete seem brand-new and stop further spalling. Installing waterproof flooring over the concrete is an additional choice.
Conclusion
While some concrete floor cracking is natural, some fractures in the basement flooring are a sign of a more serious issue. Get your cracked concrete floors inspected by a specialist for peace of mind, especially if you see indications of water penetration in the basement. Set up an examination and free quote with Zavza Seal LLC for basement floor and foundation crack repair assistance.
