They are often found in basements, but they are gradually gaining ground in the main rooms of our homes: concrete floors are becoming more and more popular. Their rustic appearance and ease of maintenance quickly won over even the most reluctant among us!
However, sometimes, fine cracks alter the beauty of this type of floor. What causes them? Should we be worried? Fissure Expert answers all the questions you have about your cracked concrete floors !
The Main Causes of Cracks in Concrete Slabs
Before repairing your concrete floor, it is important to identify the cause of the cracks found in your floor. For this, a meticulous inspection of your floor is required to know the most suitable solution to avoid this type of problem.
Concrete removal
This is common when concrete dries after installation. The hardening process and the evaporation of water regularly cause short, fine cracks.
Thus, this type of cracks may be common, but do not necessarily represent a danger to the structure. However, a thorough check is advised to ensure that no seepage is entering through these cracks.
Pyrite
Star-shaped or other irregular appearances, pyrite cracks are easily identifiable and quite common, as this iron sulphide mineral is often found in Canadian soils.
To date, no process has been found to neutralize the adverse effects of this ore. The only solution available to you is to decontaminate the soil by removing the concrete slab, backfill and debris before replacing everything with a new concrete coating.
Backfill problems
It is not uncommon for the backfill to be poorly compacted during the construction phase, or to be of simply poor quality. Over time, this causes the structure to subside and destabilize, causing cracks to appear in the concrete slabs.
Problems with joints
The absence or defects of control joints (present between the slab and the elements passing through it) create a horizontally frozen concrete. When this same concrete is pressurized, it is not uncommon for it to give way and crack.
Analyze the severity of a crack in your concrete floors
Cracks caused by concrete shrinkage are often harmless to your home, while cracks due to foundation movement or the presence of pyrite can be much more dramatic. In any case, it is highly advisable to call on a cracked soil expert. Only the latter will be able to make a complete diagnosis of your concrete floor and its cracks.
Depending on the problems encountered, he will be able to put in place the appropriate repairs so as not to alter the solidity of your home.
Techniques for filling cracks in concrete floors
You now know all the steps you need to take to properly repair a cracked concrete floor. If you have any doubts about your own installation, do not hesitate to submit a free quote : the Fissure Expert team will be happy to answer you as soon as possible!
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, Trois-Rivières and many other cities.