It’s natural for cracks to appear on your home. Whether they are located on the walls or the floor, they can sometimes seem worrisome to you. While some of them are harmless, others can be caused by major changes that endanger the structural integrity of your home.
This is particularly the case for cracks that can form on the foundation of your home. If your foundation is made of concrete, it is very likely that several cracks have formed over time. Shrinkage of concrete is one of the main causes of these cracks.
Sometimes problematic, it’s hard to know when it’s good to worry. Fissure Expert sheds light on the subject.
Cracks Caused by Concrete Shrinkage: A Physical Phenomenon
It is inevitable that cracks will form in your foundation. Indeed, the many periods of freezing and thawing that Quebec winters experience impose a strong pressure on your flooring, which resists and breaks. Not to mention episodes of ground movement that alter the structure of your home.
However, not all imperfections in concrete structures are caused by climate or weather. Time and the solidification of the concrete can also be a factor that will leave marks on this material.
Concrete removal
If your floor was built with concrete, it is very likely that cracks have appeared in it in the months following its construction. If no incident can be identified as responsible, it is probably the work of a physical phenomenon: the shrinkage of concrete. Since concrete is a water-based material, it is normal for it to crack when it dries as the water evaporates and heavier particles are attracted to the ground. These drying cracks can be created up to 15 months after pouring and they usually develop near windows or doors.
Concrete removal: should you be worried?
Although the appearance of cracks does not necessarily lead to a weakening of the structure or foundation of your home, it is still important to take seriously the appearance of fractures caused by the removal of concrete. Indeed, these cracks should not be a problem if they do not exceed 3 mm in width. However, if they are larger, they can cause several short- and long-term problems.
Beware of cracks with a width of more than 3 mm
A crack in your foundation could lead to water infiltration problems as well as the appearance of mold. This can ultimately harm your health and cause a potentially dangerous weakening of the strength of your home.
Problems with water infiltration in the cracks in your floor can also worsen during periods of frost. Since water expands when it freezes, it can enlarge and deepen your cracks. It is therefore advisable to intervene quickly in such circumstances.
Are you worried about the state of your foundations? Contact an expert to find out for sure
While you don’t have to worry about all the cracks caused by concrete shrinkage, it’s important to stay vigilant. As a first step, we recommend that you carefully examine your foundation for possible problems. Secondly, if you notice cracks, contact our specialists. They will then be able to take care of the maintenance of your floor and offer you solutions adapted to your situation.
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil and many other cities.