Dealing with Basement Floor Cracks

Basement floors are prone to cracks and damage due to a variety of factors. Dealing with them can be a daunting task, but it's essential for the safety and stability of your home.

In this guide, we'll provide helpful tips on how to address this issue for your learning.

Main Causes

Before attempting to fix any cracks in your basement floor, it's important to identify the root cause of the problem. This can help with prevention and ensure that any repairs are effective.

Some common causes include the following:

• Settlement and Soil Movement: One of the most common causes is settlement and soil movement. Over time, as the soil beneath your home shifts or settles, it can cause pressure on your foundation and result in cracks.


• Hydrostatic Pressure: Another common cause is hydrostatic pressure. This occurs when water builds up against the foundation walls and exerts pressure on them.


• Poor Construction Practices: Poor construction practices can also lead to cracks, including using low-quality materials and improper installation techniques.


• Natural Wear and Tear Over Time: No matter how well-built your home may be, natural wear and tear over time is inevitable.

Once you have determined the cause of the cracks, you can take the necessary steps to address the issue and prevent further damage.

Types of Cracks

There are several different types of cracks that can occur in a basement floor, each with its own characteristics and potential causes. Some common types include:

• Hairline: These are thin and shallow cracks that are less than 1/8 inch wide.


• Vertical: These run straight up and down, typically due to pressure from the weight of the house or surrounding soil.


• Diagonal: These are angled and often indicate a more serious issue, such as foundation settling or shifting.


• Wide: These are larger than 1/8 inch and can be caused by more significant structural issues or excessive water pressure on the basement floor.


• Shrinkage: These are caused by the concrete drying too quickly and can appear as a series of closely-spaced cracks.

Understanding the type you're dealing with can help determine the appropriate repair method.

Repair Options

Depending on the severity and cause of the cracks, there are various repair options available for basement floors. It's important to consult with a professional before attempting any repairs, as they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Some repair options include:

• Epoxy Injections: One popular method for repairing cracks in basement floors is through epoxy injections.


• Polyurethane Foam Injections: Another method is through polyurethane foam injections.


• Concrete Patching Techniques: Another option for repair is through concrete patching techniques.

Preventative Measures

While repair options are available for damaged basement floors and basement waterproofing options are available, prevention is always better. Some preventative measures include:

• Following proper construction practices when building a new home or adding an addition to an existing one.


• Properly grading the area around the foundation to prevent water from pooling against the basement walls.


• Ensuring proper drainage and a sump pump system in case of heavy rain or flooding.


• Regularly inspecting and maintaining the foundation, including filling any minor cracks before they become larger issues.


• Avoiding planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation, as their roots can cause pressure and damage.

By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of cracks forming in your basement floor and potentially save yourself from costly repairs in the future.

Need Plumbing Services? Contact J. Blanton

Dealing with cracks in a basement floor is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. By following these guidelines and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can address any issues effectively and prevent them from causing further damage.

Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with a professional for proper evaluation and repair options.

If you experience a plumbing issue that contributes to poor drainage, it could be causing cracks in your basement flooring. For this, consider the employment of J. Blanton. We've been providing top-notch plumbing service to homeowners in Chicago, Illinois for over 30 years.

Whether it's dealing with your kitchen or bathroom plumbing, no matter the project, you can depend on our expert plumbers to get the job done, provide the right solution, and give you the technical support necessary.

If you're in need of a plumber, we're only one telephone call or website form fill away—contact us today!