Floor Crack

Noticing a significant crack in your concrete floor—be it in the garage, basement, or outdoor space—can be alarming. Any form of cracking in your flooring warrants immediate attention.

Neglecting such floor cracks can endanger your home’s structural soundness and elevate the risk of water infiltration, resulting in an unsafe and uncomfortable living space for your family.

AFS has the knowledge and tools to skillfully manage these issues. With over two decades of experience serving homeowners throughout the Southeast U.S., we pride ourselves on exceptional customer care and reliable foundation repair.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of what causes floor cracks and the most effective ways to repair them.

What Are Floor Cracks?

Floor cracks can be defined as any splits, fissures, or fractures that appear on your home’s flooring. These can occur due to a range of factors, including uneven pressure and foundational vulnerabilities.

Frequently, floor cracks are associated with other problems like:

Acting sooner rather than later is vital when you spot floor cracks. That way, you can avoid water damage and further structural damage like those listed above.

The Causes of Floor Cracks

Different triggers can contribute to floor cracks in your residence. Our experienced team will determine these underlying causes through a comprehensive evaluation.

Material Contraction

Although various materials may be used for floors, concrete is the most common. Despite its sturdiness, concrete can shrink during the curing process. Uneven shrinkage could result in cracks. Though often not a structural concern, these cracks can serve as moisture entry points if overlooked.

Excessive Weight

Heavy items such as hefty furniture or safes can put undue stress on your floors, leading to cracks. Understanding your floor’s weight-bearing capacity is essential.

Shifting Soil

Environmental conditions like heavy rainfall, drought, or soil degradation can cause ground movement beneath your home, leading to a sinking foundation. Over time, this leads to floor cracks inside your home.

Expansive Soils

Certain soils, especially those rich in clay common in the Southeast, expand when wet and contract when dry. These fluctuations lead to periodic floor cracking in homes built on such ground.

Upward Hydrostatic Pressure

Water accumulation under your floor increases pressure over time, leading to the uneven lifting of your foundation. This is called hydrostatic pressure, and if left unchecked, it can exert so much pressure that your floors crack and leak water.

Recognizing the primary reason behind your floor cracks is essential for effective repair. With AFS, you’ll receive customized repair plans tailored to your home’s unique needs.

Can Floor Cracks Be Repaired?

Yes, it’s possible to mend floor cracks! Modern repair methods enable targeted solutions, eliminating the need for a complete floor overhaul.

DIY attempts are not recommended, as they often only conceal surface issues while deeper problems persist. Professional repair ensures a durable fix.

Crack size and location significantly influence repair strategy. That’s why AFS provides a thorough inspection process to accurately identify the specific issues in your home.

AFS’s Method for Repairing Floor Cracks

Among other foundation repair companies in the Southeast, we stand out due to our exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and efficient methods. Our approach includes:

Comprehensive Evaluation

One of our foundation experts will visit your property and inspect every crack, documenting its location and size. This assessment helps us determine root cause and helps us decide the most effective treatment for your particular situation.

Load-Balancing Solutions

Where ground movement is a factor, specialized foundation piers are inserted deep into stable soil to balance weight and possibly return the floor to its original level. We employ different kinds of foundation pier systems, including:

Helical
Push
Slab

Although they each have slightly different designs and uses, they achieve the same goal of stabilizing your foundation. Once these are installed, your floors stay protected from movement.

Wall Stabilization

Factors leading to floor cracks also affect the walls inside your home. If this is the case for you, we employ various reinforcing methods, including carbon fiber strips, steel beams, and wall anchor systems.

Moisture Control

Guarding against moisture is key. Our comprehensive moisture management systems include tools like internal drainage, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers to keep your home dry. These can be applied to either your crawl space or basement!

The Importance of Promptly Addressing Floor Cracks

Procrastinating when it comes to floor cracks will only make foundation problems worse. We can’t stress it enough—taking swift action will help you avoid:

Prevent fast crack expansion due to ongoing pressure.
Limit moisture infiltration, which could lead to mold.
Avoid structural decay and floor sagging over time.
Reduce future repair costs, particularly if water damage occurs.

Your home’s foundation is crucial for its overall stability. Don’t ignore signs like floor cracks; choose AFS for quick and comprehensive fixes that go beyond cosmetic repairs to strengthen your home’s foundation.

Contact AFS for Professional Floor Crack Solutions

If you notice floor cracks, act swiftly to minimize the risk of structural compromise and moisture concerns. AFS delivers cutting-edge techniques to fix existing cracks and enhance your home’s foundational resilience.

Contact us today for a no-cost evaluation and secure your home’s structural longevity. Trust AFS for enduring solutions from a reputable industry expert!