How To Fix Cracks In Foundation Floor

Basic steps for repairing a basement floor crack.

How to fix cracks in foundation floor.

Most often a basement floor crack is a result of wear and tear. While caulking is fast and easy it s not the best solution for wide or deep foundation cracks. These cracks are part of the natural drying process for concrete. If you find cracks in the concrete of your basement don t panic.

Before beginning work on the surface it is necessary to discover why the crack initially started. Although it may seem daunting repairing cracks in your basement floor is something you can do without going to the expense of hiring a professional. Diagnosing cracks in your foundation. For cracks wider than 1 8 inch use a small sledgehammer and a cold chisel to chip away loose material.

Be they straight jagged or spiderweb like fine cracks in the basement floor commonly result from surface shrinkage as. Fortunately repairing a thin crack is usually a simple weekend project. Cracks in your foundation come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. But if you notice a heavily cracked area or a crack that runs parallel to the foundation then the issue may be the result of structural damage.

Hairline cracks don t require repair. It is not unusual for foundation cracks to form within the first year of new construction often near windows corners of the walls or floors or in the longer sections of your foundation. If a crack between the wall and floor exceeds inch some can be two inches wide or more inches wide call a foundation contractor who can fill it by injecting an expanding epoxy. Inject the crack weld resin into the crack to wet it it will soon get tacky.

Clean the area and get rid of any loose chips. For hairline cracks in and around your foundation the quickest fix is urethane caulk. A vinyl concrete patch which usually comes packaged dry in a box is a good choice for fixing cracks over 1 8 inch thick. To repair a small crack follow these steps.

As it dries the concrete begins to shrink. Hairline cracks need no repair and are not indicative of a larger problem. Foundation cracks are a common occurrence especially in older homes. This will weld the crack together creating an excellent basement floor repair.

Most are due to foundation settling and are usually not a cause for concern.