The Reasons behind Garage Floor Cracks

Cracks in garage floors can occur for a variety of causes, including settling, shrinkage, incorrect installation, and inadequate drainage. Cracks aren't always a cause for alarm. When dealing with concrete, one thing is certain: it will crack at some time. Serious cracks in your garage floor will have an opening wider than 1/8-inch and/or will be higher on one side than the other.

Cracks in garage floors can occur for a variety of causes. See before you go for garage floor crack repair here.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage cracks are widespread and should not be a cause for concern. Because of the natural shrinkage that takes place throughout the curing process, even freshly laid concrete will show some signs of wear.

Settlement

Settlement refers to when the soil beneath your home or building shifts and sinks over time. While some settlement is to be expected over time, it can impose stress on garage flooring, leading to buckling and eventual cracking. Shrinkage cracks are more common, while settlement cracks are more severe. The crack's width and whether or not it grows determine the severity.

These open buckets of affluent settlement are begging for rainwater to gather them. The accumulation of water in your garage, however, might lead to more serious issues, such as the sinking of some parts of your garage. As a result, your home is at significantly higher danger of flooding.

Different portions of your garage will be subjected to more pressure as a result of the added weight of automobile tyres depending on the design. As a result, cracks and settling may appear naturally in the garage's corners.

Wide cracks with one side being higher than the other may be an indication of more serious settlement concerns. If you are worried, call in a specialist as soon as possible to help you detect any problems.

A Faulty Set Up

If your garage floor is full of cracks, it could be the result of poor construction. It's likely that construction workers used a thin slab, neglected to add rebar support, or built on a shaky gravel foundation. Incorrect base, disturbed or uneven soil are some of the most frequent errors we see:

  • Concrete with an inadequate MPA rating

  • There is an insufficient quantity of gravel

If the slab for the attached garage is poured incorrectly, water may seep into the house. It's also important to pour the garage slab in such a way that it softly slopes away from the home to help with drainage.

Flooding and Water Sources below Ground

Garage floor cracks might be exacerbated if water is not properly draining away from your home when heavy rains fall. Excess rainwater is held in place by dense soils like heavy clay. Soil with a high water content that freezes during the winter can expand greatly, putting a great deal of strain on the garage slab. Heaving and cracking are possible side effects.

Cracks around the garage door are particularly prevalent, as here is where the most exposure to cold and ice occurs. Make sure your garage's perimeter is well-sealed and look for any potential entry points for water. The soil levels outside your garage should be around six inches lower than the top of your garage floor.

Cracks in Oklahoma Garage Floors are No Problem for Us

Small cracks in the garage floor are normal and should not be a cause for concern. Concern should be expressed with regard to the larger and continuously expanding cracks. When cracks appear to be getting larger or worsening, call Zone Garage for a fast and reliable inspection. Our garage floor crack repair service will make you utterly satisfied.