Larger cracks should be looked at, as moisture can settle in these cracks, leading to structural damage.įor hairline cracks, it is not uncommon to see a few develop in a slab over time. However look for cracks that are wider than 1/8 of an inch, cracks that are wider at one end than the other, cracks that extend a long distance across the slab, or cracks that increase in size over time.Ĭracks that continue to increase in size indicate the potential of an ongoing problem and should be examined. In general, hairline cracks are not often a structural problem. The key factors to keep in mind when looking at concrete cracks are:
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How Do You Know When to Call in a Professional for Foundation Repair Services?
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Type of soil: Soil that contains clay swells and shrinks depending on moisture levels, causing movement to the slab.These cracks can be structural (ones that threaten a building’s structural integrity) and non-structural (ones that are cosmetic in nature, but can evolve into structural issues).Ĭoncrete slab cracks from settling are caused by a variety of reasons: What Are the Main Causes of Settling Cracks?įor property owners, the most common form of concrete slab cracks come from the settling of a house or building over time. Settling cracks are extremely common and do not always present a threat to a building’s foundation. Removal of trees can cause roots under concrete slabs to decay and leave a void where settling can occur. Vibrations from site prep nearby can cause the soil under finished construction to settle. Without ground to support the weight of the slab, the slab’s own weight causes cracks to appear on the concrete’s surface. Settling occurs over time when the ground beneath a slab shifts or is altered, creating a void between the ground and the bottom of the slab. Excessive weight, from a dumpster, recreational vehicle, or another heavy object, can cause cracks to occur in a concrete slab. How Do Excessive Weight and Settling Create Concrete Slab Cracks?Īlthough concrete is tough, it is not indestructible. Tree roots pushing up underneath a slab can also cause heaving cracks to develop over time. After many cycles, the concrete may develop cracks. Unlike expansion, which occurs in warm weather, heaving can occur when the ground freezes and thaws, lifting and settling the concrete. Heaving can also be related to temperature changes. As a result, the concrete slab has nowhere to expand and will start to crack. If there are no expansion joints between surfaces (such as the rubber strips you may see between sidewalk slabs), the concrete may push against something that cannot flex. In the summer months, heat can cause concrete to expand. In heat and cold, moisture in these holes and channels can expand and contract.
The most common causes of cracks in a concrete slab after construction has been completed are:Ĭoncrete is actually a porous substance where water can settle in small holes or channels on the surface and throughout the slab.
Some occur during the construction process, and others occur over time. There are several main causes of concrete slab cracks. Here’s what you need to know about cracks in a concrete slab, including when to call in professional support.
Left unchecked, structural cracks in concrete slabs can spiral into major problems. It is still important to take them seriously and evaluate each crack on an individual basis. Thankfully, hairline cracks in a concrete slab don’t always indicate major foundation issues. But is this hairline crack a minor blemish or a sign of an impending major problem? It is every property owner’s nightmare: a crack in a concrete slab.
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