Stress Cracks In Concrete Walls

Measure the width of cracks with measuring tape.

Stress cracks in concrete walls.

Concrete block walls can fall victim to a number of different types of cracks. If the crack is simply an aesthetic nuisance you can cover it yourself without worrying about the structure of your home. Poor concrete mix rapid curing or possibly other states. Vertical vertical cracks in your concrete block tend to appear as your concrete cures.

The process will bring the particles closer together and create cracks that are often too small to cause any problems. Since concrete cannot shrink around a corner stress will cause the concrete to crack from the point of that corner. In any case concrete shrinkage causes the concrete to develop internal stresses. Types of concrete cracks.

The cracks might indicate a more serious structural problem. They can be controlled but not eliminated. Hairline cracks in a concrete slab are rarely a cause for concern. While nearly invisible it is important to remember that plastic shrinkage cracks don t just exist on the surface they extend throughout the entire thickness of the slab.

A crack in a slab of 1 8 inch or less is typically a normal shrinkage crack and not a cause for concern. Call in a structural engineer for an in depth evaluation. Plastic shrinkage cracks are typically very narrow in width and barely visible. Concrete walls containing horizontal cracks are serious issues.

98 of the homes in the united states have foundations constructed out of concrete masonry blocks or brick all of which tend to crack when there is movement and excessive stress. Cracks less than 1 8 inch wide are likely stress cracks while larger ones are often more serious. Several masonry patching products such as hydraulic cement do an adequate job of filling cracks in concrete walls. Concrete cracks due to inclusions photo above of shale and iron sulfide mineral pyrrhotite cracking.

Horizontal cracks in concrete walls however indicate poor wall designs or pressure buildup behind the wall. In poured concrete foundations shrinkage cracks are usually due to conditions at original construction. Within a year after construction hairline cracks about the width of a sewing thread commonly appear on the inside of basement walls most often near windows and doors or in the corners of the. Each type of concrete foundation wall basement slab floor slab or slab on grade crack is discussed and described with photographs below.