Durable, safe and easy to maintain, concrete is a material of choice for garage and basement floors, in addition to being an excellent thermal insulator. When properly maintained, it can withstand most of the stresses that would eventually damage a wood, vinyl, or ceramic floor.
However, concrete is not an indestructible material. There are a few exterior elements that can harm your floor in the long run, and eventually damage it. Although the maintenance of a concrete floor is very simple, certain precautions must be taken to ensure optimal durability, and avoid the appearance of cracks.
Quebec’s climate: a risk factor for your concrete floor
One of the common causes of cracks in concrete floors is the alternation between freezing and thawing typical of the Quebec climate, which mainly affects exterior concrete slabs, or garage and basement floors with insufficient thermal insulation.
The effects of the Quebec winter on concrete floors can be quite damaging in the long term, since concrete is a material that is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. However, concrete expands when the temperature rises, and contracts when it cools. These constant changes can be the cause of cracks developing in your floor. These may be minor, but it’s always best to hire an expert for cracked concrete inspection.
Moisture: a common cause of cracks in concrete floors
The presence of water or high humidity can cause considerable damage to a concrete floor that has not been waterproofed. Water infiltration in a basement, for example, can affect the durability of your concrete floor, especially if the situation is not resolved as soon as possible.
Garage floors that are often in contact with water or snow are also at risk of developing long-term problems, as are outdoor slabs. Luckily, you can install joints to prevent concrete slabs from cracking.
Poor maintenance and abrasive products can damage your concrete floor
When you have a concrete floor, it’s important to know that you can’t just use any product to clean it. Ammonia and bleach are the two agents to avoid: in the long run, they will end up causing damage to your floor. Instead, choose a mixture of water and baking soda: you’ll see, it works wonderfully, and it’s a completely safe method for concrete.
Sodium chloride, used in Quebec to melt ice and improve road traction, can also damage your concrete surfaces if they are unpaved. These abrasive salts can end up in your garage, and chip your floor if it’s not cleaned up quickly.
Is your concrete floor cracked? To repair the damaged surface, call Fissure Expert
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, other factors beyond your control can be the cause of a damaged concrete floor: a sloppy design, improperly applied siding, problems with your foundation, and many other unforeseen events that can produce cracks in your floor.
If you have noticed a crack in your concrete floor, do not hesitate to contact Fissure Expert : our team is trained to recognize the cause and extent of concrete cracks, and can quickly and efficiently repair the damage, if necessary.
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 Longueuil, Laval, Sherbrooke and several other cities.