Cracks in Your Basement Floor

Any homebuilder will tell you the only guarantee they’ll issue on concrete is that it will crack. While that’s not always gospel, many of you will find the concrete slab in your basement is showing cracks of different widths. Some are open while others are hairlines. So what causes these cracks other than the idea that concrete will crack.

Your basement (foundation) was constructed by digging a footing upon which the block, when set in place, will form the foundation walls. An 8” tall expansion joint material is added to the interior perimeter wall at the footing. Once in place, 4” of gravel is spread upon which 4-inches of (reinforced) concrete is poured, spread and finished.

The cause of cracking can be attributed to several factors, one being a layer of concrete far too thin. Other reasons could be attributed to natural settling on disturbed earth that has not been compacted, natural vibrations or freezing temperatures, which cause the concrete to expand beyond the width of the protective expansion joint material.

The most dreaded reason is water rising under the slab due to extended rain. If this is the case you will notice trace water or dampness at the crack, or water flowing out of the crack(s). This issue can generally be mitigated by way of advanced basement waterproofing techniques such as those pioneered by Go Dry Waterproofing. Give us a call today!