Is Concrete Floor Repair Something I Can Ignore?

Large or small, cracks in the basement of your home inevitably create a sense of panic in homeowners around Langley; but do all cracks require timely concrete floor repair? The answer may surprise you.

To the naked eye, concrete cracks might all look the same. But to someone with construction, engineering, or concrete floor repair experience, cracks are more than what is visible on the surface.

Identifying Structural Vs. Cosmetic Cracks

As it turns out, not all cracks in your concrete floor require immediate repair or repairs at all. Some types of cracks are purely cosmetic or can even be considered normal; if they bother you, you can have your concrete floor repaired, but you don’t have to.

Other cracks are more urgent; they could signal major structural issues with your home or lead to water infiltration problems. These are the types of cracks that require immediate concrete floor repair in Langley.

Warning Signs a Crack is More Than Just Cosmetic

There are several signs that the cracks you are seeing around your home, basement, or garage floor are beyond what can be considered normal or cosmetic:

1. The “V” Crack

If you have a wall crack that begins at the floor and climbs up the wall towards the ceiling in a distinct “V” pattern, it’s a strong signal that you may have an issue with the differential settlement or uneven settling of your home’s foundation.

Concrete floor repairs for this type of cracking can be extensive; however, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will become, and it could eventually lead to structural issues with your home.

2. Wall Cracks That Continue onto The Floor

Cracks that start on the wall and continue to the floor are not always a reason to panic. Cracks that traverse both wall and floor could signal soil or geotechnical problems, but they could also occur due to normal settlement.

However, over time, these cracks could allow water and moisture to enter your home, leading to more significant problems down the road. In this situation, it is best to have a professional come and examine the cracks and, if necessary, address these types of concrete floor repairs while they are minor issues.

3. Large Cracks

Where and how large the cracks in your floor will dictate how crucial concrete floor repairs are. Cracks less than 1/8 of an inch, also referred to as hairline cracks, are relatively common and typically form as the concrete dries. They can be easily and inexpensively repaired for cosmetic purposes.

Larger cracks – anything over 1/8 of an inch – are a more significant cause for concern. These types of cracks on your floor or walls could be a warning sign of serious structural issues.

If you have any concerning cracks in your home’s floor or walls, it is always safest to have them looked at by a professional. Not all concrete floor repairs in Langley are expensive, and getting them taken care of promptly can save you from much more significant – and costly – damage later.