Cracks in Basement Floor

Have you started to see cracks in your basement floor?

These cracks can indicate a serious problem: your house could be settling. If you just leave that problem alone, it can damage your home’s foundation for good, which can be dangerous.

Concrete basement floor cracks can encompass a wide variety of types and severities. If your basement floor is cracking, you might not know what you can do to fix it, especially if you’re a homeowner without a lot of experience in home repair.

If you are concerned about leaking cracks in your basement floor, your local Tornado Plumbing & Drains dealer has the solutions you need.

What Causes Cracks in Basement Floor Concrete? Are They a Serious Risk?

Shrinkage

The two primary parts of concrete are cement and water. After it’s poured, it cures to become solid. As the concrete dries, it will shrink. The degree of shrinkage is largely affected by temperature. If temperatures drop while your basement cures, that can cause cracks. Likewise, sweltering heat will rapidly dry your concrete – and curing too quickly also causes cracks. Even in perfect conditions, over time, your basement concrete will experience some degree of shrinkage. While you should consider every crack a potential risk, most cracks under one-eighth of an inch wide aren’t a cause to be concerned.

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Settlement

Another common cause of cracks in basement floors is when the concrete slab begins to settle. Typically, settlement occurs when the soil beneath your foundation is too unstable to support the weight of your home and it shifts. Most homes are designed to allow for about an inch of soil movement – though some areas require the design to allow for up to four inches. In addition to soil movement, leaks in your basement and even tree roots can instigate settlement cracks.

Frost Heave

During the colder seasons of the year, another source of cracks in your basement floor is frost heave. When soil freezes and thaws, it causes an expansion then a shift underneath your foundation. Like settling, this movement causes your concrete to also shift and that leads to cracks. The most obvious sign of frost heave is cracks near support columns in the flooring. With cold weather season around the corner, you should look into ways to help prevent frost heave.

Other Factors

Apart from these three there are several other factors that can lead to cracks in basement floors and these include structural problems such as unintentional errors during construction, water seepage and pests. 

Risks of Cracks in Your Basement Floor

• Water Seepage
• Structural Problems
• Invasive Pests

When it comes to basement cracks, there is no one answer. Hairline small cracks in basement floor and those that clearly don’t impact the integrity of your home can be simply sealed, or patched and sealed. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have an expert inspect them. In addition to the potential health risks of mold, mildew and pests, cracks can be a sign of bigger problems. If your home is at risk of major damage, it’s best to find out as soon as possible.

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