Cracks in concrete floors can be a cause for concern, but they don't always indicate a serious problem. In most cases, cracks are caused by drying shrinkage and thermal shrinkage, which are normal and expected. However, if the cracks start to change vertically or if there are a significant number of wide cracks, it may be time to investigate further. The American Concrete Institute addresses the issue of concrete cracking in its manual from the American Concrete Institute, ACI 302. Cracks in category 3, i.e.
cracking between 5 and 15 millimeters, require evaluation, but are considered useful (minor repair). If the structural tolerance level is exceeded, early cracking formed by early thermal shrinkage can affect the overall safety of concrete structures. In order to determine the severity of the crack and properly investigate the cause of the crack, it is important to consult a qualified and licensed professional. Depending on the diagnosis of the individual crack, targeted injection of appropriate material may be necessary, followed by a suitable protective concrete coating.
Poor drainage near the foundation of a house is one of the most common causes of cracks and foundation damage. If there are signs of soil and foundation movement, it is important to appoint qualified repair contractors to properly repair these cracks as soon as possible in order to extend the life of the concrete structures.
