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There are several reasons why concrete slab foundations may crack, including poor building techniques, the condition of the soil, too much moisture and leaky plumbing. All of these can lead to real problems with the construction of a house. If you notice any issues at all that concern you, then you must contact a contractor as soon as possible. Foundation repair is most definitely best done as soon as it is noticed and before the cracks get too large. But why exactly might your concrete slabs have cracked in the first place? Temperature Plenty of homeowners have no idea (and why would they) that temperature has an impact on this material when it is laid. Climate affects the strength of the concrete in the slab and cracks occur when the temperature changes. Ideally, when laying your wet mortar the temperature needs to be between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit when it is poured. By not adhering to these perfect weather conditions, a builder can inadvertently set a foundation up for cracking over time. A crack may also form because a slab is not thick enough. The thickness needs to be around 3-1/2” thick in the center and approximately 22”-24” thick around the perimeter if its integrity is to be kept intact. Any deviation from this thickness can cause splintering and foundation repair will most definitely be necessary in time. Reinforcement Sometimes the pieces of foundation crack because they have not been reinforced properly. The reinforcement used when getting the materials ready and spacing the cables can determine the strength of the foundation itself. Not only that, but the composition of the concrete mix is also important. This has to be just right, and the individual slabs need to be positioned carefully on properly compacted soil if they are to maintain their integrity. Fissures These can harm a foundation by weakening the material it is made of. Over time as the fissure grows the concrete weakens and absorbs more and more water, leading to big problems. In Pennsylvania, during our wet summers, the heavy rainfall can cause increased problems with fissures in foundations. Plumbing Leaks Internal leaks can also lead to problems with excess water, which may damage the concrete slabs and lead to cracks and fissures. If you think you have broken pipes, make sure you contact a reputable plumber immediately. By stopping the initial plumbing issue you may save yourself big time in the future when the concrete slabs of the very base of your house have begun to crack. Foundation repair can be a costly option. It is really important to remember that if your foundation breaks apart, the house stops being level. This can lead to fractures in your external brick walls, your ceilings and more. The key message here is that if you see your concrete slabs cracking and suspect you need foundation repair, get on it straight away. Contact a reliable contractor who can help you get on top of your problem and prevent further damage as soon as possible. Author Plate Nick Iskenian is a local resident of New Jersey and the owner and founder of Best Choice Waterproofing. The company provides effective, professional quality solutions for damp problems, carrying out basement waterproofing and foundation repair in New Jersey. If your home is suffering from water seepage, mildew, damp, cracks, warping, paint peeling or a range of other issues, their highly trained field operators have the skills and experience to solve the problem.
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