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Cracks in Basement Floor

Do you have cracks in your basement floor? Professional basement waterproofing solutions can protect your home's foundation!

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Crack in slab floor in basement

Cracks in your basement floor are not just unsightly, they also pose a serious risk to your home. Water can seep into these cracks, potentially flooding your basement and compromising your foundation. This can lead to costly repairs and a decrease in your property value.

Merely covering these cracks with sealant or epoxy coating is not a lasting solution and only conceals the problem. It’s best to hire local professionals who can identify and immediately address the root cause of the issue.

What Causes Cracks in Basement Floors?

1. Settling Foundation

When the ground underneath your home’s foundation settles, stress and downward forces can cause cracks in your concrete basement floor. This natural phenomenon occurs in many Canadian homes, so there’s no need for excessive worry. However, it is still important to act to prevent the widening of these cracks.

In addition to basement floor cracks, other indicators of foundation issues may appear. These can include basement wall cracks, tilting chimneys, and doors and windows that don’t open properly.

2. Hydrostatic Pressure

Excessive rainfall can saturate the soil around your foundation, causing hydrostatic pressure. This pressure often results in unsightly cracks in basement floors and walls.

Large cracks, which may span across your basement floor or extend between the floor and wall, can be alarming. Therefore, it’s best to address these issues promptly.

3. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Canada’s cold winters can cause the ground beneath your home to freeze and expand. Come spring, the soil contracts, resulting in cracks in basement floors.

Monitoring these cracks, particularly those that continue to enlarge, is crucial to prevent further damage.

4. Heavy Loads

Do you store heavy equipment or items in your basement? Excessive weight can lead to stress fractures and cracks in the floor. Structural changes during a renovation can also damage basement floors.

Can You Repair Basement Floor Cracks?

Yes, fixing cracks in your basement floor is possible. However, do-it-yourself solutions often fall short. Cheap sealants from hardware stores merely hide the cracks and may even worsen the problem.

So, what’s the best course of action?

  • We suggest contacting a basement waterproofing professional who can inspect your basement at your home and offer a solution.
  • Monitor moisture levels around your foundation and grade your yard. This helps direct excess moisture away from your home.
  • Lastly, avoid overloading your basement floor with excessive weight!

How to Fix Cracks in Your Basement Floor

Groundworks doesn’t believe in “quick fixes” when it comes to repairing basement floor cracks. After addressing the visible cracks, we strive to understand the root cause of their occurrence.

Here’s our typical approach:

  • Address Water Intrusion With SafeDri™ Sump Pump Systems: Our SafeDri™ Sump Pump Systems pump water out of your home, preventing water damage and stopping floor cracks from worsening.  
  • Drain Water With BasementGutter™: Our BasementGutter™ Interior Drain System catches water from your basement walls, floor, and wall-floor joint and moves it to a SafeDri™ sump pump system. 
  • Control Moisture With a Dehumidifier: Our basement dehumidifiers eliminate excess moisture in the air, stopping mould growth and cracks from widening. 
  • Avert Future Problems With Grated Drain Pipes: Our BasementGutter™ Grated Drain Pipes capture water and direct it to the drain network, tackling water ingress. As a result, you can keep your basement floor dry and reduce any crack-causing water pressure. 

Why Fix Basement Floor Cracks Today? 

Ignoring cracks in your basement floor can be risky. It’s usually recommended to address the issue immediately due to the following reasons:

  • Cracks signal a compromised foundation that could further deteriorate over time, potentially leading to a total replacement.
  • Any gaps might lead to moisture problems, mould, mildew, and even flooding.
  • Expanding cracks can put strain on the surrounding concrete.
  • Surface-level epoxy crack fillers only offer a temporary solution and fail to tackle the root of the problem.
  • Uneven slabs can present tripping hazards, which can put your family in danger.

Contact Groundworks for Reliable Basement Floor Crack Repairs

Ground Works man is being welcomed at the door by happy homeowner

We understand that a cracked basement floor is a serious issue for homeowners in Canada. That’s why we provide a variety of solutions that not only repair cracks, but also prevent them from recurring.

At Groundworks, we offer a free initial inspection and estimate — your first step towards a safer and more functional basement!

FAQs

The risk posed by cracks in your home’s foundation depends on their size. Very small or “hairline” cracks are likely not a significant concern at present. However, it is important to monitor them and seek professional assistance if they widen. Cracks larger than 1/8 inch demand immediate attention from an expert, especially if accompanied by other warning signs of a compromised foundation, such as bowing walls or sinking floors.

Regardless of their size, basement cracks can lead to issues such as mould, mildew, and flooding. Even if you don’t see any signs of water intrusion in your basement, it’s always wise to have a professional, like Groundworks, inspect the situation. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

We can repair minor cracks in as little as a day, depending on the extent of the damage. However, more extensive cracks may require additional time. We can provide a time estimate during our free property inspection.