Floor Crack

When the floors of your home are marred by a network of cracks, immediate intervention is necessary.

Ignoring floor cracks in your concrete slab not only undermines the structural stability of your home but also allows for easy entry of water, creating an unhealthy environment for your loved ones.

Foundation Systems of Michigan brings more than 15 years of foundation repair experience and specialized tools to effectively treat floor cracks. Serving Michigan homeowners, we promise unparalleled customer service and dependable solutions.

Keep reading to learn valuable insights into the causes of floor cracks and the best ways to fix them.

What Are Floor Cracks?

Floor cracks are separations or fractures in your home’s concrete slab due to a variety of causes like fluctuating pressure and foundational problems.

In addition to floor cracks, related issues often include:

Cracks in foundation walls
Uneven foundation
Gaps in flooring
Damaged chimney
Water seepage
Mold growth

While not all cracks point to foundation problems, it’s important to take note of even minor floor cracks as soon as they appear to avert potential water and structural damage that may occur.

What Causes Floor Cracks?

There are many reasons that contribute to floor cracks in your home’s concrete slab. Our skilled team will perform a thorough inspection to identify the underlying causes, which could include:

Material Contraction

Various flooring materials like concrete can shrink as they cure. Inconsistent shrinkage can cause cracks to develop. While these may not be a direct threat to your home’s structure, they can lead to water entry if ignored.

Weight Imbalance

Heavy furnishings or materials like a granite countertop can overload certain floor types, causing cracks. Being mindful of your floor’s load-bearing ability is important.

Soil Instability

Shifts in soil conditions can result from environmental factors like rainfall, drought, or natural erosion, affecting the stability of your floor and leading to cracks.

Soil Characteristics

Specific soil types, particularly those rich in clay, expand when wet and contract when dry. Homes built on such soil types are susceptible to floor cracking.

Upward Foundation Movement

Water pooling beneath your floors can create pressure that forces your foundation upwards, producing cracks. Continued pressure can exacerbate these cracks, heightening the risk of water entering your home.

Understanding the root cause of your floor cracks is the first step in effective repair. With Foundation Systems of Michigan, we tailor our repair methods to your home’s specific needs.

Can Floor Cracks Be Repaired?

Yes, floor cracks can be fixed! Modern repair technology allows us to address individual problem areas without having to replace the entire floor.

While they may seem like the easiest option, DIY solutions are not advisable as they tend to cover up superficial issues while letting deeper problems persist.

A professional inspection by a foundation expert will offer you long-lasting repairs that will keep you protected for years to come.

Floor cracks differ in form, location, and size, all of which influence the repair technique. As a result, Foundation Systems of Michigan uses a thorough inspection process to accurately tackle your problem.

Foundation Systems of Michigan’s Floor Crack Repair Strategy

Choosing a trustworthy company to repair your home’s floor cracks is important. FSM’s more than 15 years of experience and satisfied homeowners is a great place to start.

We take pride in our exceptional customer service, cutting-edge solutions, and meticulous installation.

Here’s our strategy:

Detailed Evaluation

Our professionals inspect each crack carefully taking into account multiple factors like its position, length, and width, to determine the most effective repair plan tailored to your home.

Foundation Piers

When floor cracks result from unstable soil conditions, a key part of our strategy is to redistribute the weight of your home to foundation piers driven deep into stable ground. This not only redistributes the weight but can also help bring your floor back to its original, level position.

At Foundation Systems of Michigan, we understand that every home has unique requirements. Our trained inspectors carefully evaluate the specifics of your situation, such as soil type, load requirements, and structural integrity, to recommend the most suitable type of foundation pier for your home. We offer three main types of piers: push piers, helical piers, and slab piers.

Push Piers: These are most effective in situations where the soil structure is weak near the surface but becomes more stable with depth. Push piers bypass weaker soils and rely on the stronger, deeper soil to hold your home’s weight.
Helical Piers: These are ideal for lighter structures or when dealing with specific types of soil that require a screw-like mechanism for added grip. They are rotated into the ground, providing a robust foundation that combats soil instability.
Slab Piers: Specifically designed for homes with concrete slab foundations, slab piers offer focused support that aims to lift and stabilize the concrete slab, closing any floor cracks that may have appeared.

Choosing the correct type of pier is crucial for long-term stability and successful floor crack repair. Rest assured, our inspectors bring the necessary expertise to assess which option will provide the most effective, lasting solution for your home’s unique needs.

Wall Stabilization

Since the soil beneath your home has the same troublesome characteristics as the soil outside your foundation walls, you may also notice wall cracks. We utilize proven basement repair techniques to strengthen walls, counteracting additional damage through methods like wall anchors and steel-I-beams.

Moisture Control

Our diverse range of waterproofing and encapsulation solutions include interior drains, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers to keep your home dry.

Why Address Floor Cracks Promptly

While putting off floor crack repair is easy, it’s not smart. Ignoring even small floor cracks can lead to larger foundational issues.

Immediate action is crucial for:

Preventing crack widening from consistent pressure
Minimizing the risk of water entry and potential mold growth
Avoiding the escalation of structural issues and sinking floors
Reducing the overall cost of repairs, especially if water damage has occurred

Your foundation has a huge job—it’s responsible for bearing the weight of your entire home. When you notice cracks, acting quickly is essential to ensure it has the support it needs.

Foundation Systems of Michigan offers rapid, long-term solutions that go beyond superficial repairs to fortify your home’s foundation.

Contact Foundation Systems of Michigan for Expert Floor Crack Solutions

If you discover floor cracks in your home, act swiftly to mitigate the risks of structural instability and water damage.

Foundation Systems of Michigan uses advanced techniques to fix existing cracks and strengthen your home’s foundation.

Reach out today for a free inspection and safeguard your home’s structural health.

FAQs: Floor Crack

When should I seek professional help for floor cracks?

Contact a professional for inspection and repair as soon as you notice any cracks. Early intervention usually leads to simpler and more affordable solutions.

Are all concrete floor cracks a sign of foundation damage?

Not necessarily. Some cracks are purely cosmetic and don’t indicate a problem with the foundation. However, if the cracks are large, have a “stair-step” appearance, or are widening over time, it’s best to consult a professional for an evaluation.

Can I fix concrete floor cracks myself?

Small cracks can often be repaired using epoxy or other sealants. However, if you suspect foundation damage, it’s crucial to consult professionals for assessments and repairs of the problems.